Rare Vintage Hungarian Studio Pottery ‘Little Guy’ Miniature Candle Holder / Match Holder / Creamer

I absolutely adore this little guy - an incredibly special piece of vintage Hungarian studio pottery, and one of those tiny pieces where the closer you look, the more detail comes to life. 

Originally made as a miniature creamer, he has been so beautifully considered from every angle. His little face is wonderfully balanced and expressive, with the dark sweeping moustache, rosy cheeks and tiny painted features sitting perfectly beneath that dramatic deep glazed rim. The body is covered almost entirely in hand-painted folk decoration - cobalt blue flowers, rich rusty reds, leafy greens and looping black brushwork with an astonishing amount of detail for something so dainty.

I’ve seen a few similar little character jugs, but this one is particularly lovely. The proportions are just right, the painting is incredibly confident and his face has such a pleasing symmetry and character. Even the handle and decoration around the back have been given just as much attention as the front.

His petite size also makes him unexpectedly perfect for other uses. He holds matches beautifully, but the opening is also just the right size for a standard dinner candle, turning him into the most wonderful little candle holder. 

A really exceptional little piece of folk pottery: beautifully made, incredibly detailed and absolutely full of personality.

Dimensions;
Height: 9.5cm
Top length: 4.5cm x width: 4.5cm
Base diameter: 2.5cm