Victoriaanse ‘hoerenhondjes’ – met een bijzonder verhaal - Figurine - Porcelain

Around 1880 this set of porcelain “hoerenhondjes” was extremely popular with the English middle class during the heyday of Queen Victoria in Britain.
These dogs are also called hoerenhondjes. Queen Victoria would not tolerate 'indecent behavior,' and ladies of easy virtue performed their work under the cloak of figurine sales. Whoever bought the hoerenhondjes could also buy the 'rest.'
The figurines also got the name ‘hoerenhondjes’ from the old practice of prostitutes turning the figures with their snouts toward the room when a client was inside and toward the street when the lady was available. Ladies of easy virtue used the hoerenhondjes as a cover as well, posing as souvenir sellers of these dogs. Many sailors from the northern Netherlands travelled to England and the Shetland Islands in the 19th century. There they often saw the hoerenhondjes on window sills. The hoerenhondjes proved popular with these seafarers, who took them home as souvenirs to adorn the fireplace mantel. And still today!
Beautiful stories were told about their origins: the hoerenhondjes were picked up at a flea market after nostalgic memories of the figurines, or they were family heirlooms. What many owners have in common is that the ‘true meaning’ only came to light recently.

This set is still in very good condition after almost 150 years. Weight per piece: 600 grams.

This lot has been carefully cleaned and will be shipped carefully packaged, registered, and insured (with a Track & Trace code so you can track the shipment). Pickup in (Ridderkerk, South Holland) is also possible. I have delicious hand-ground coffee.