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ID #SA1142961
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£1,500
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Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, C. 1760
For sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €1,755     $1,905
£1,500
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Id #SA1142961
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Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, C. 1760

18th century
Description

A highly expressive and rare 18th-century German porcelain figure, attributed to the Fürstenberg manufactory, circa 1760. This blanc-de-chine composition portrays a seated street drummer – barefoot, hunched over his torn drum, with a slack ribbon trailing to the side and a small bowl placed beside him, invoking themes of poverty, exhaustion, and public begging. The bent drum mallet, hunched posture, and dishevelled appearance were all deliberately modelled to express hardship and social commentary – a stark contrast to the typical idyllic Rococo figurines of the period.

While unmarked, the figure closely corresponds with Fürstenberg's genre sculptures of the 1750s–1760s, known for their emotional depth and influence from Cris de Paris prints and German theatre. The quality of modelling, the expressive white glaze, and technical finesse strongly support the Fürstenberg attribution.

The Fürstenberg manufactory was established in 1747 by Duke Carl I of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and is the second-oldest porcelain factory in Germany after Meissen. Its early production was notable for elegant Rococo works, often made for princely collectors. This figure likely belonged to a rare series of street musicians or allegorical types meant for display.

Dimensions: Height 34 cm, Width 18 cm, Depth 10.5 cm, Weight 1609 g.

Condition: chipped ribbon beneath feet, firing crack on mallet, chip and hairline at base corner. Otherwise excellent condition for its age.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Furstenberg Porcelain Drummer Figurine to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1142961
Description
A highly expressive and rare 18th-century German porcelain figure, attributed to the Fürstenberg manufactory, circa 1760. This blanc-de-chine composition portrays a seated street drummer – barefoot, hunched over his torn drum, with a slack ribbon trailing to the side and a small bowl placed beside him, invoking themes of poverty, exhaustion, and public begging. The bent drum mallet, hunched posture, and dishevelled appearance were all deliberately modelled to express hardship and social commentary – a stark contrast to the typical idyllic Rococo figurines of the period.
“
While unmarked, the figure closely corresponds with Fürstenberg's genre sculptures of the 1750s–1760s, known for their emotional depth and influence from Cris de Paris prints and German theatre.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The quality of modelling, the expressive white glaze, and technical finesse strongly support the Fürstenberg attribution.

fig 1. An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.
fig 1. Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, C. 1760

The Fürstenberg manufactory was established in 1747 by Duke Carl I of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and is the second-oldest porcelain factory in Germany after Meissen. Its early production was notable for elegant Rococo works, often made for princely collectors. This figure likely belonged to a rare series of street musicians or allegorical types meant for display.

fig 2. An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.
fig 2. Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, C. 1760

Dimensions: Height 34 cm, Width 18 cm, Depth 10.5 cm, Weight 1609 g.

Condition: chipped ribbon beneath feet, firing crack on mallet, chip and hairline at base corner. Otherwise excellent condition for its age.

fig 3. An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.
fig 3. Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, C. 1760

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Furstenberg Porcelain Drummer Figurine to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1142961
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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An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.
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Archive I An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.

Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, C. 1760

Archive II An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View II
Archive III An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 400
Items Sold 576
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
400
Sold
576
An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.
Fürstenberg Porcelain Figure – “The Drummer”, c. 1760
Ref: SA1142961
An 18th-century monochrome white glazed porcelain figurine of a male figure seated on a drum atop a Rococo scrollwork base.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFigurines
  • Period18th century
  • StyleRococo
  • MaterialHard-paste Porcelain, Glaze
  • ColourWhite
  • MotifsRococo scrollwork base, Pointed headwear, Drum motif, Seated posture

This 18th-century German hard-paste porcelain figure depicts a seated street drummer in a blanc-de-chine finish, originating from the Rococo period around 1760. The composition shows a barefoot male figure with pointed headwear, hunched over a drum atop an ornate Rococo scrollwork base that includes a small bowl alongside him. The monochrome white glaze highlights the intricate modelling of the subject's clothing and posture, while visible details include a bent mallet held in his hand, a torn drum, and a chipped ribbon beneath his feet. Measuring 34 cm in height, 18 cm in width, 10.5 cm in depth, and weighing 1609 g, the piece exhibits minor damage such as a firing crack on the mallet, and a chip and hairline at the base corner. Positioned as a sculptural tabletop ornament, the piece suits display on a bookshelf or within a glass-fronted cabinet in a traditional living space or study. Collectors of historic European ceramics can place the figure safely on stable wooden furniture where its expressive narrative and historical significance remain clearly visible. Careful placement away from heavy traffic areas protects the fragile porcelain extremities and glazed surfaces from accidental knocks. The item brings period character to interior displays, fitting naturally among antique collections and classical decor schemes.

FAQs

Established in 1747 in Brunswick, Germany, the Furstenberg factory produced hard-paste porcelain figures influenced by Rococo design, frequently depicting allegorical subjects, musicians, and commedia dellarte characters.

These figures were cast using kaolin-based hard-paste porcelain slip in multi-part press moulds, assembled by hand, fired at high temperatures, and coated in a clear lead or feldspathic glaze.

Authentic items typically feature the underglaze blue cursive F factory mark on the base, crisp sculptural moulding, visible seam lines from assembly, and characteristic hard-paste porcelain translucency.

Display the figurine within a glass vitrine, on a floating bookshelf, or atop a console table paired with contemporary art books to create contrast between historic craftsmanship and modern design.

Remove surface dust using a soft dry brush, and wash gently with lukewarm water and mild liquid detergent when required, avoiding abrasive sponges or sudden temperature shifts.
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