FRUITWOOD, ENGLAND, c1790

Remarkable in its execution and survival, depicting a greyhound and hare

3-3/8" High

The greyhound is an ancient breed, originating in Egypt and spreading throughout the Middle East and Russia, to Imperial Rome and eventually into Britain and Ireland.  It has changed little since 500 BC.  It was the dog of princes and kings - but also bred to be the constant companion of whomever owned (or was owned by) one.  For 10 years, my constant companion was large black and white Hewley greyhound with a magnificent head and enviable long neck and legs. As good English greyhounds go, he was a large series of "S- and C-curves" with a few straight lines, and a deep-curving ribcage with every rib showing - just as this carving above.

Watching greyhounds move is hypnotic.  They are a combination of unimaginable agility, grace and elegance, with tremendous speed and power.  While most of their time is resting quietly at the very closest proximity they can manage to their owner, their greatest pleasure is running - chasing - anything from butterflies to squirrels to - yes - cute sweet hares.  As they are "sight hounds", the rest of the world simply disappears until the chase is over - either by clever escape of the hunted, or triumph of the hound.  "Coursing", a sport with greyhounds chasing live rabbits by sight rather than scent, became popular during the 16th century.  It was - and remains - a sport valued more for the contest of the race than the catch.  I might add that my hound never knew what to do with anything he caught. 

It became a tender gift placed at my feet. And there were some very odd ones.

    It is with pleasure that we offer this 200+ year-old pipe tamper, carved as a greyhound, probably at the end of a coursing race, lifting the prize he or she may have bettered to present to his or her owner - who could not help but smile

and pull the irresistible animal once more very close to their side.

Provenance : With Alistair Sampson Antiques Ltd., London, 1996

901-761-1163 (gallery) / 901-827-4668 (cell)

581 S. PERKINS ROAD / LAURELWOOD COLLECTION / MEMPHIS, TN 38117

Hours : Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment

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^{George III Carved Fruitwood Pipe Tamper, England, c1790, depicting a greyhound and hare}