Late Victorian Green Ceramic Boot Shaped Pin Cushion Holder

This is a lovely little novelty pin cushion in a ceramic holder, maker unknown and dating to the latter part of the 19th century.

The moulding of the ceramic is in realistic detail, with the stitch-line, eyelets, seams, and eyelet holes being moulded as part of the design. In addition, the sides of the boot are ‘creased’ to add to the authenticity. The whole is decorated in a pale green glaze.

The interior of the boot contains the pincushion, which is formed in three parts. The front is V-shaped and corresponds to the tongue, there is a domed upper portion, and at the back, there is a loop, which sits above the moulded ceramic heel seam and is meant to represent the leather grip, which helps pull the boot on. It is hardly surprising, given the age of this piece that the velvet material is worn in places, and has lost its original colour.

The underside of the piece is unglazed on the heel and the front part of the ‘sole’, showing the underlying off-white ceramic body. There is no sign of a manufacturer’s mark.

It has a maximum height of approximately 9.7cm and a maximum length of about 14.0cm.

It has an unwrapped weight of 160g.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks, although the fabric does have some small holes and tears in the top where the pins would have been inserted.