Pop Goes the Weasel - #E1509U11

SOLD-3:46PM 5/15/09

The classic folk song "Pop Goes the Weasel" is more than just a children's nursery rhyme. It is living art-- a song that has been modified and added to for ages, and has been popular in both America and Great Britain. In its earlier history, it was not a children's song, but was instead beloved by the aristocracy. One music sheet from the 1850s described this song as, "performed at Her Majesty's & The Nobilities Balls." It has also been used in stage productions, recordings, and children's games. While the origin and meaning of this song is difficult to unearth, it can be confidently stated that it has been beloved by both children and adults at different stages of its history.

This pot has lyrics from a popular American version of the song:

    "All around the cobbler's house,

    The monkey chased the people.

    And after them in double haste...

    That's the way the money goes

    Pop! goes the weasel."

From the distressed wood-turned base to the the monkey sitting atop the lid, measures 21" high. The widest point of the piece is 7 1/2" diameter. It is slipped in mustard yellow made from local clay, sgraffito decorated, and stained in manganese brown, copper green, and cobalt blue. The monkey and his bananas are slipped in manganese brown and mustard yellow. Under the lid, Chris Woods, the potter, has written:

     "Don't get caught up in all the monkey business. You may find yourself in the company of weasels."

This stunning Pop Goes the Weasel Pot is an original piece designed, thrown, decorated, and aged by our Master Potter, Chris Woods! For over 15 years, Chris has hand crafted museum quality 17th and 18th Century reproduction redware that fools the most avid antique savvy shopper.