Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
The sculpture depicts an artisan in traditional dress and turban, working on a cauldron with a hammer, surrounded by tools used for metalwork. The piece is finished in an ivory-toned glaze, a hallmark of Royal Worcester’s late 19th-century production, giving it an elegant and lifelike appearance. The platform is ornately designed, featuring finely sculpted bowls and tools, emphasizing the craftsmanship of this piece.
James Hadley, Worcester’s most celebrated modeller, created the “Indian Craftsmen” series, which is considered by many experts to be among his finest works. The figures in this series are undoubtedly some of the rarest and most exquisite examples of Hadley’s artistry. Assembling a complete set of all six figures is a dream for any admirer of his talent. The figures from this series are illustrated by Henry Sandon in Royal Worcester Porcelain (1978), pl. 102.
The figurine bears the Royal Worcester impressed and printed factory marks, serial ? 68832, pattern ? 1207, and date codes for 1888.
As previously mentioned, figures like these are extremely rare and seldom appear on the market. Similar pieces have been sold at prestigious auction houses, including Christie’s and Bonhams, further highlighting their rarity and desirability among collectors.
Measurements
Height: 13 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Weight: 342 g
Condition
The piece appears to be in excellent condition; however, under UV light, the hammer and the figure’s chest exhibit fluorescence, suggesting an additional coat of paint. Thin drips of paint or glue are visible where the cauldron he is handling touches his feet.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please carefully review all photos before purchasing and feel free to ask any questions.
Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page
Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Haji Mijak, the Coppersmith" James Hadley, 1888
