Antique Derby Porcelain Figurines of Young Pair, C.1780

A pair of antique Derby porcelain figures, end of 18th century, modelled as a girl with yarn winder and boy reading. Both have been hand painted in enamels. These figurines have been made with exceptional care; their natural postures, facial expressions and beautiful clothes all speak of the highest level of master attention. The girl is dressed in a light dress with floral ornament, trimmed with lace, a green blouse with orange stripes on top, a headdress with golden ornament on her head, coral beads and golden earrings perfectly complement her clothes. On her knees there is a bag with yarn. The details of the clothes are jewellery made of porcelain, especially the porcelain laces. The boy is dressed in a light green jacket with gold buttons and trimmed with gold, a waistcoat in a pinkish tone with gold trim, striped light pink with purple trousers and shoes with gold buckles. In his hands he holds a small red book. Both sitting on fancy gilded chairs, the boy has a beautiful bouquet under his chair, which he didn't give to the girl for some reason. The figures standing on a circular florally decorated and scroll moulded base. All details of the figurines are made very realistically with the highest manufacturing technique. Since 1750 Derby has always produced high quality items.

These figurines are described in Peter Bradshaw's book Derby Porcelain Figurines 1750-1848, page 291. :

«Boy reading a book and girl tatting

A boyattired in a wig,long coat,waistcoat and breeches,sits with legs crossed,holding his right ankle with hi Companion girl wears a linen cap,blouse and long skirt,sits likewise tatting and with her brimmed hat balanced upon her right knee.s left hand,reading from a book held in his right hahd at arm's lenght.»

The first mention of these models appeared in 1771.(incised ?184)

Our figures have incised ? 314

Derby figures with the incised mark 'N' are particularly sought after and date to between c1765 and c1785.

The same figures can be found at Derby Museums and Art Gallery

Height 15 cm, width 8,2 cm, depth 9,5 cm

Condition:

Boy-Thin crack on wrist of right hand,faring crack on bottom of figurine,small chips on cuffs

Girl-Possibly was made restoration of the elbow of the left arm, but if it was made, it is very professional, it is difficult to understand whether there was any restoration at all.

Small chips on the cuffs.

Otherwise excellent antique condition with excellent preservation of paints and enamel.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description.

Price includes delivery