What is Parian ware and when was it developed?

Parian ware is a type of unglazed bisque porcelain developed in England during the 1840s to emulate carved marble. It gained popularity throughout the Victorian era as an accessible medium for mass-producing fine classical and figurative sculptures for domestic interiors.

How is Victorian Parian porcelain manufactured?

Parian porcelain contains a higher proportion of feldspar than standard porcelain, resulting in a vitreous body with a subtle marble-like sheen. The production process involved liquid slip casting into plaster moulds, followed by careful hand-finishing prior to high-temperature firing.

How can you identify authentic Copeland Parian figures?

Authentic pieces often feature impressed manufacturer marks such as COPELAND or WT COPELAND, alongside sculptor signatures, publication dates, or Art Union inscriptions. The body should display a clean, creamy-white tone with crisp moulding and precise surface detail.

How do you style a Parian ceramic figure in a modern interior?

Position the sculpture against dark wood panelled walls, a dark painted surface, or on a mahogany sideboard to create high visual contrast. The neutral tone integrates seamlessly into traditional, eclectic, or minimalist room arrangements.

What is the recommended method for cleaning Parian ware?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, clean brush. For surface dirt, wash gently using warm water and mild liquid soap with a soft cloth, taking care not to submerge unglazed porous sections or rub away impressed maker marks.

for sale €2,925 $3,175

£2,500

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023

View Dealers Stock Page

Relevant Links

White Parian Sculpture

Copeland Parian Figure

19th Century Parian Bust

Victorian Ceramic Figure

White Marble Effect Statue

Bisque Porcelain Sculpture

Id #SA1155388

PDF

SAVE

Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

Name: Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1155388
Price: 2500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

This striking large-scale Parian ware figure, titled Go to Sleep, was sculpted by John Durham in 1862 and produced by Copeland for the Art Union of London. The figure depicts a barefoot young girl seated on a rugged rocky base, gently cradling a sleeping small dog in her arms while raising one finger to her lips in a timeless gesture of quiet and care.

The figure is masterfully modelled, showcasing Copeland’s finest Parian craftsmanship. The girl's delicate features and flowing hair are rendered with extraordinary softness, while the drapery of her simple gown falls in deep, fluid folds. The dog — likely a small breed such as a King Charles Spaniel or Skye Terrier, popular companion dogs of the Victorian period — is superbly detailed, its wavy coat and relaxed posture beautifully contrasting with the stillness of the girl.

The title Go to Sleep is moulded on a ribbon at the front of the base. To the reverse, the figure bears clear impressed marks: J. DURHAM S / 1862 / ART UNION OF LONDON, together with the COPELAND factory mark and a copyright stamp. This model is documented in Robert Copeland’s authoritative reference Parian: Copeland’s Statuary Porcelain (Antique Collectors’ Club, 2007, ISBN 1-85149-499-5), where it is listed as GP30.

The English sculptor John Durham acquired fame and attracted considerable attention during the mid-19th century with his sensitive and refined portrait busts, notably those of Queen Victoria, the celebrated soprano Jenny Lind, and many other distinguished figures. His ability to capture both likeness and emotional depth made his works highly prized in Victorian Britain.

Originally, the full-sized marble was exhibited at the Royal Academy and the International Exhibition in London in 1862. The reduced Parian model was distributed as prizes by the Art Union of London during 1863, 1864, and 1865, making surviving examples highly sought-after.

This is a particularly impressive, larger version of the figure, standing 47 cm tall and weighing over 5 kilograms, emphasising its sculptural presence and exceptional display quality.

Measurements

Height: 47 cm / 18.5?

Width: 22 cm / 8.66?

Depth: 24 cm / 9.45?

Weight: 5020 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition. No cracks or restorations. Light surface wear and minor soiling consistent with age, mostly to the base and underside. The Parian porcelain retains a soft, creamy hue, typical of fine Victorian statuary pieces.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery

Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and secure postage

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible

Customs paperwork provided where necessary for smooth international delivery

Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Copeland Parian Statuary Figure to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1155388

Description

This striking large-scale Parian ware figure, titled Go to Sleep, was sculpted by John Durham in 1862 and produced by Copeland for the Art Union of London.

“

The figure depicts a barefoot young girl seated on a rugged rocky base, gently cradling a sleeping small dog in her arms while raising one finger to her lips in a timeless gesture of quiet and care.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

fig 1. An off-white Parian porcelain sculpture depicting a child seated on a rocky base holding a small fluffy dog. — fig 1. Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

The figure is masterfully modelled, showcasing Copeland’s finest Parian craftsmanship. The girl's delicate features and flowing hair are rendered with extraordinary softness, while the drapery of her simple gown falls in deep, fluid folds. The dog — likely a small breed such as a King Charles Spaniel or Skye Terrier, popular companion dogs of the Victorian period — is superbly detailed, its wavy coat and relaxed posture beautifully contrasting with the stillness of the girl.

fig 2. An off-white Parian porcelain sculpture depicting a child seated on a rocky base holding a small fluffy dog. — fig 2. Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

The title Go to Sleep is moulded on a ribbon at the front of the base. To the reverse, the figure bears clear impressed marks: J. DURHAM S / 1862 / ART UNION OF LONDON, together with the COPELAND factory mark and a copyright stamp. This model is documented in Robert Copeland’s authoritative reference Parian: Copeland’s Statuary Porcelain (Antique Collectors’ Club, 2007, ISBN 1-85149-499-5), where it is listed as GP30.

fig 3. An off-white Parian porcelain sculpture depicting a child seated on a rocky base holding a small fluffy dog. — fig 3. Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

The English sculptor John Durham acquired fame and attracted considerable attention during the mid-19th century with his sensitive and refined portrait busts, notably those of Queen Victoria, the celebrated soprano Jenny Lind, and many other distinguished figures. His ability to capture both likeness and emotional depth made his works highly prized in Victorian Britain.

fig 4. An off-white Parian porcelain sculpture depicting a child seated on a rocky base holding a small fluffy dog. — fig 4. Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

Originally, the full-sized marble was exhibited at the Royal Academy and the International Exhibition in London in 1862. The reduced Parian model was distributed as prizes by the Art Union of London during 1863, 1864, and 1865, making surviving examples highly sought-after.

fig 5. An off-white Parian porcelain sculpture depicting a child seated on a rocky base holding a small fluffy dog. — fig 5. Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

This is a particularly impressive, larger version of the figure, standing 47 cm tall and weighing over 5 kilograms, emphasising its sculptural presence and exceptional display quality.

Measurements

Height: 47 cm / 18.5?

fig 6. An off-white Parian porcelain sculpture depicting a child seated on a rocky base holding a small fluffy dog. — fig 6. Large Copeland Parian Statuary Figure ‘Go to Sleep’ by John Durham, 1862

Width: 22 cm / 8.66?

Depth: 24 cm / 9.45?

Weight: 5020 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition. No cracks or restorations. Light surface wear and minor soiling consistent with age, mostly to the base and underside. The Parian porcelain retains a soft, creamy hue, typical of fine Victorian statuary pieces.