Royal Worcester Pair of Japanese Figures by Hadley C.1870

Name: Royal Worcester Pair of Japanese Figures by Hadley C.1870
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1205724
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

A monumental pair of Parian porcelain figures by Royal Worcester, modelled by James Hadley in the early 1870s. Over 40 cm high, depicting a Japanese gentleman and lady beside pedestal stands with vases, executed in ivory-toned Parian with metallic enamels and rich gilding. Produced during the peak of Japonisme, reflecting the influence of Japanese art after 1853. Worcester, under Richard Binns, translated these sources into refined European porcelain. Documented in the Museum of Royal Worcester and exhibited at the Vienna Exhibition of 1873, where Worcester received a certificate of highest merit. Complete pairs are exceptionally rare. The modelling is of outstanding quality, particularly the suspended fan and detailed surface treatment. Custom bases belong to the original display concept.

While resembling carved ivory color, the polychrome versions were those selected for exhibition.

Hadley’s figures were produced in a range of colour schemes, which today adds an additional layer of desirability for collectors, as certain variants are markedly rarer. The most commonly encountered finish is the so-called “ivory” tone, more precisely referred to as blush ivory, alongside plain white Parian examples, green and gilt combinations, shot enamel finishes, and monochrome versions in various tones. Fully polychrome examples, such as the present pair, required significantly greater labour in both painting and firing, and were therefore produced in smaller numbers, making them among the most sought-after variants.

Each figure bears correct Worcester marks.

A rare and important pair with exhibition history and strong collector demand.

Measurements

Male: height 42 cm (46 cm with base) / 16.5? (18.1?)

Female: height 40 cm (44 cm with base) / 15.7? (17.3?)

Condition

Fantastic museum-level condition. Minimal wear to gilding on the table surface of the male figure; otherwise no issues.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions

Height

42cm (16.54")

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1205724

Dealers Internal Reference

B1688

Description

A monumental pair of Parian porcelain figures by Royal Worcester, modelled by James Hadley in the early 1870s.

“

Over 40 cm high, depicting a Japanese gentleman and lady beside pedestal stands with vases, executed in ivory-toned Parian with metallic enamels and rich gilding.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Produced during the peak of Japonisme, reflecting the influence of Japanese art after 1853. Worcester, under Richard Binns, translated these sources into refined European porcelain. Documented in the Museum of Royal Worcester and exhibited at the Vienna Exhibition of 1873, where Worcester received a certificate of highest merit. Complete pairs are exceptionally rare. The modelling is of outstanding quality, particularly the suspended fan and detailed surface treatment. Custom bases belong to the original display concept.

fig 1. Royal Worcester Pair of Japanese Figures by Hadley c.1870 — fig 1. Royal Worcester Pair of Japanese Figures by Hadley C.1870

While resembling carved ivory color, the polychrome versions were those selected for exhibition.

Hadley’s figures were produced in a range of colour schemes, which today adds an additional layer of desirability for collectors, as certain variants are markedly rarer. The most commonly encountered finish is the so-called “ivory” tone, more precisely referred to as blush ivory, alongside plain white Parian examples, green and gilt combinations, shot enamel finishes, and monochrome versions in various tones. Fully polychrome examples, such as the present pair, required significantly greater labour in both painting and firing, and were therefore produced in smaller numbers, making them among the most sought-after variants.