A Ceramic Phrenology Bust by L. N. Fowler
This lot is a glazed ceramic phrenology bust bearing the inscription “PHRENOLOGY BY L. N. FOWLER” on its plinth-style base. Phrenology, the nineteenth-century theory that character and mental faculties could be read from the contours of the skull, was popularised in Britain and America through practitioners such as L. N. Fowler, whose name became synonymous with the subject. The bust reproduces the familiar pedagogical form, with a smooth, serene face and a cranium divided into labelled zones. Its blue and white colourway and the printed chart of faculties, including labels such as Causality, Comparison, Order and Language, make it an attractive and evocative object. The side of the base also carries the legend “Entered at Stationers Hall”, a reference to British copyright registration.
Condition and Collector Appeal
The bust shows the fine crazing typical of a traditional glaze across its surface, which adds to its aged character. The printed faculty chart remains clear and legible in the photographs, and no obvious chips or cracks are visible beyond the glaze crazing. As with all ceramics, prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the piece closely and ask any questions before bidding. Phrenology busts are sought after by collectors of scientific curiosities, Victorian ephemera and decorative ceramics, and they also make striking display pieces in studies, libraries or home offices.