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Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Id #SA1130659
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Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888

19th century
Description

Rare Royal Worcester Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, The Trinket Maker"

This antique and extremely rare Royal Worcester porcelain figure, titled Karan Singh, The Trinket Maker, was designed by the renowned modeler James Hadley and crafted in 1888. The sculpture depicts an artisan in traditional dress and turban, using a hammer and anvil to fashion his metalwork, surrounded by the tools of his trade.

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 bottles, cups, and tools, further emphasizing the craftsmanship of this piece.

James Hadley, Worcester’s most celebrated modeler, 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 left arm has been professionally restored above the elbow. The tool resting on the anvil has minor chips at the points. Light scuffing to the gilt, otherwise in excellent antique condition.

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.

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Royal Worcester Porcelain Figurine to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1130659
Description
Rare Royal Worcester Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, The Trinket Maker"
This antique and extremely rare Royal Worcester porcelain figure, titled Karan Singh, The Trinket Maker, was designed by the renowned modeler James Hadley and crafted in 1888.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The sculpture depicts an artisan in traditional dress and turban, using a hammer and anvil to fashion his metalwork, surrounded by the tools of his trade.

fig 1. A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
fig 1. Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888

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 bottles, cups, and tools, further emphasizing the craftsmanship of this piece.

fig 2. A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
fig 2. Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888

James Hadley, Worcester’s most celebrated modeler, 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.

fig 3. A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
fig 3. Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888

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.

fig 4. A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
fig 4. Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888

Measurements

Height: 13 cm

Width: 10 cm

Depth: 10 cm

Weight: 342 g

Condition

The left arm has been professionally restored above the elbow. The tool resting on the anvil has minor chips at the points. Light scuffing to the gilt, otherwise in excellent antique condition.

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.

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Royal Worcester Porcelain Figurine to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1130659
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
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Archive I A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.

Royal Worcester Rare Porcelain Figure "Karan Singh, the Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888

Archive II A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View II
Archive III A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View III
Archive IV A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View IV
Archive V A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View V
Archive VI A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View VI
Archive VII A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View VII
Archive VIII A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View VIII
Archive IX A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View IX
Archive X A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
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A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
Royal Worcester rare porcelain figure "Karan Singh, The Trinket Maker" James Hadley, 1888
Ref: SA1130659
A late nineteenth-century Royal Worcester blush ivory porcelain figurine depicting a seated Indian craftsman working on an ornate pedestal base.
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

James Hadley was a principal modeller for Royal Worcester during the late Victorian period, recognized for detailed figure modelling featuring occupational and regional themes. His designs frequently utilised blush ivory porcelain finishes, subtle polychrome enamels, and gilded accents to highlight costume and drapery details.

These sculptures were crafted from fine porcelain slip cast in plaster moulds before undergoing multiple kilns firings. The signature blush ivory effect was achieved by applying a matte tinted ivory ground glaze, embellished with hand-painted enamel details and burnished gold leaf.

Authentic pieces carry standard printed factory marks on the underside, typically accompanied by date codes, shape numbers, and occasionally modeller marks such as Hadley. The refinement of the matte glaze surface, crispness of the moulding, and precise enamel decoration also signify genuine period production.

Small ceramic sculptures serve as accent pieces when placed on styled mantelpieces, inside glazed cabinet displays, or atop stacked art volumes on a sideboard. The soft blush and ivory palette complements both traditional library interiors and contemporary curated spaces.

Remove surface dust regularly using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding water immersion or liquid chemicals that can compromise delicate painted enamels and gilding. Store the object away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the original surface finish.
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