Hen in Nest, William Kent, Old Staffordshire Ware, Hand Painted Enamels, Antique, Made in England, 1891-1920s

She has been sitting in that nest since somewhere between 1891 and the early 1920s — and she has lost none of her dignity.

This William Kent Hen in Nest is one of the finest examples of Old Staffordshire ware you are likely to encounter outside of a specialist auction. The lid — the hen herself — lifts off to reveal the woven nest bowl beneath, perfect for candies, jewelry, small treasures, or simply the pleasure of opening and closing something this beautifully made. Every detail is crisp and confident: the feathers are layered with the deeply applied, fluidly worked enamels characteristic of early Kent production, the combed and streaked brush strokes on the base are consistent with pieces dated to 1890–1910s, and the backstamp — Old Staffordshire Ware, England — places this piece precisely between 1891 and the early 1920s, before Made in England became the standard mark. Mold number 161 is painted on the base — a different number from the Box Hen #159 shown in the 1955 Kent catalog, suggesting this is an earlier production mold.

One very small area of missing color on the hen's crest — barely noticeable and consistent with 130 years of existence. No chips, cracks, crazing, or scratches anywhere on the piece.

At $280 this is a serious collector's acquisition, priced honestly for what it is: a documented antique from one of England's most respected earthenware producers, in exceptional condition, with clear provenance and dating.

William Kent established his pottery — originally called Novelty Works — in Burslem, Staffordshire in 1890, becoming sole proprietor that year and building it into one of the most recognized names in English earthenware figures, dogs, Toby jugs, and novelty pieces. The Hen in Nest, in continuous production through multiple generations of the Kent family, became one of their signature pieces. At the end of 1962 William Kent (Porcelains) Ltd ceased making earthenware figures entirely, pivoting to industrial porcelain for the electrical market — making authentic early pieces like this one increasingly rare and collectible.

• Maker: William Kent (Porcelains) Ltd, Burslem, Staffordshire, England
• Backstamp: Old Staffordshire Ware, England
• Mold Number: 161 (painted on base)
• Made in: England
• Dated: 1891–early 1920s (based on backstamp and glaze characteristics)
• Dimensions: approx. 4.5" tall | 5.25" long | 4.0" deep
• Material: Earthenware, hand-painted enamels
• Condition: Very good antique condition. Small area of missing color on hen's crest — minor and consistent with age. No chips, cracks, crazing, or scratches. Please review all photos carefully — we cannot accept returns.