Object Description
Staffordshire Pottery spill vase with a theatrical and literary theme which features Macombo removing a thorn from the lion’s paw, stood on a shaped base. Dull gilt embellishment. Decorated mainly to the front. This piece represents Macombo, the ‘Lion King’, who was a sailor that became as famous as Van Amburgh and Crockett. He once entered a cage with two tigers fighting each other inside, armed only with a whip. The tigers attacked him leaving him badly mauled, but Macombo managed to get them into separate cages with the help of assistants. His name came from a Zulu chieftain who fought against the British. This particular piece is thought to be a representation of ‘Androcles and the Lion’ where Macombo is removing a thorn from the lion’s paw.