In the 18th and 19th century every house had a fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These would be decorated with all manner of things from clocks, candlesticks, photograph frames and pottery and brass ornaments.
 
This is a large Staffordshire flat back figure, so called because it was designed for a mantlepiece,  the back of the figure not needing to be decorated. This would also keep the price down of manufacture thus making it accessible to the masses.

This figure is of a lady and gentleman, the lady carrying a sheath of wheat, depicting harvest time.
 
In good order with some slight paint loss.
 
Dimensions: 32cm high x 22cm wide 
 
c.1870