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ID #SA1225220
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Old Paris Parian Figure of La Dormeuse After Michel Victor Acier, C.1850-1880
Ritas Bazaar
Id #SA1225220
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Old Paris Parian Figure of La Dormeuse After Michel Victor Acier, C.1850-1880

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A rare and highly collectible antique 19th-century French Parian ware figurative sculpture titled La Dormeuse (The Sleeping Girl / Sleeping Louise). The piece is a fine nineteenth-century interpretation of the celebrated model by the French sculptor Michel Victor Acier (1736-1799). The sculpture is executed in fine, unglazed matte white Parian porcelain, closely imitating the soft texture of carved white marble.

The composition depicts a sleeping lady seated in an armchair with a miniature love letter tucked into her bodice, while one of her original porcelain slippers rests on the paved cobblestone-moulded base below. The figure is finely modelled throughout, with carefully executed drapery folds, a fully detailed chair with turned supports and shaped splats, and a separate side table incorporating X-shaped stretchers.

During the nineteenth century, Old Paris porcelain workshops produced numerous interpretations of celebrated eighteenth-century sculptural models by leading European artists. Independent Parisian manufactories became renowned for adapting these popular compositions for commercial production while maintaining a remarkably high standard of modelling and porcelain quality. Today, Old Paris porcelain is recognised for its accomplished craftsmanship and faithful interpretation of celebrated historical designs.

Parian porcelain was developed during the nineteenth century as an unglazed porcelain body intended to imitate carved white marble. Its matte surface made it particularly suitable for sculptural figures inspired by Classical, Rococo and Neoclassical models.

The flat underside retains three original kiln slits characteristic of nineteenth-century Parian production. The base is completely unmarked, entirely consistent with the long-established practice of many Old Paris porcelain workshops, which did not apply factory marks to their porcelain figures.

Dimensions: Weight: 1156 g; Height: 20 cm; Width: 13.1 cm; Depth: 15.6 cm.

Condition: Missing tips of the thumb and index finger on the right hand. Missing one of the two original porcelain slippers on the cobblestone base. Loss to the upper finial on the right-hand chair post. Otherwise in excellent antique condition.

Physical Dimensions
Height
20cm (7.87")
Width
13.1cm (5.16")
Depth
15.6cm (6.14")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Parian Ware Porcelain Figure to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1225220
Description
A rare and highly collectible antique 19th-century French Parian ware figurative sculpture titled La Dormeuse (The Sleeping Girl / Sleeping Louise).
The piece is a fine nineteenth-century interpretation of the celebrated model by the French sculptor Michel Victor Acier (1736-1799).
Ritas Bazaar

The sculpture is executed in fine, unglazed matte white Parian porcelain, closely imitating the soft texture of carved white marble.

The composition depicts a sleeping lady seated in an armchair with a miniature love letter tucked into her bodice, while one of her original porcelain slippers rests on the paved cobblestone-moulded base below. The figure is finely modelled throughout, with carefully executed drapery folds, a fully detailed chair with turned supports and shaped splats, and a separate side table incorporating X-shaped stretchers.

During the nineteenth century, Old Paris porcelain workshops produced numerous interpretations of celebrated eighteenth-century sculptural models by leading European artists. Independent Parisian manufactories became renowned for adapting these popular compositions for commercial production while maintaining a remarkably high standard of modelling and porcelain quality. Today, Old Paris porcelain is recognised for its accomplished craftsmanship and faithful interpretation of celebrated historical designs.

Parian porcelain was developed during the nineteenth century as an unglazed porcelain body intended to imitate carved white marble. Its matte surface made it particularly suitable for sculptural figures inspired by Classical, Rococo and Neoclassical models.

The flat underside retains three original kiln slits characteristic of nineteenth-century Parian production. The base is completely unmarked, entirely consistent with the long-established practice of many Old Paris porcelain workshops, which did not apply factory marks to their porcelain figures.

Dimensions: Weight: 1156 g; Height: 20 cm; Width: 13.1 cm; Depth: 15.6 cm.

Condition: Missing tips of the thumb and index finger on the right hand. Missing one of the two original porcelain slippers on the cobblestone base. Loss to the upper finial on the right-hand chair post. Otherwise in excellent antique condition.

Height
20cm (7.87")
Width
13.1cm (5.16")
Depth
15.6cm (6.14")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Parian Ware Porcelain Figure to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1225220
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A 19th-century off-white Parian porcelain figure depicting a sleeping woman seated in a ladder-back chair on a rectangular base.
1 / 1
Archive I A 19th-century off-white Parian porcelain figure depicting a sleeping woman seated in a ladder-back chair on a rectangular base.

Old Paris Parian Figure of La Dormeuse After Michel Victor Acier, C.1850-1880

Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 223
Items Sold 37
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
223
Sold
37
A 19th-century off-white Parian porcelain figure depicting a sleeping woman seated in a ladder-back chair on a rectangular base.
Old Paris Parian Figure of La Dormeuse after Michel Victor Acier, c.1850-1880
Ref: SA1225220
A 19th-century off-white Parian porcelain figure depicting a sleeping woman seated in a ladder-back chair on a rectangular base.
Archival Detail
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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.

Parian ware is a form of unglazed biscuit porcelain developed in the mid-19th century, formulated to imitate fine white marble. It contains a higher proportion of feldspar, resulting in a slightly vitreous matte finish.

These figures were created by casting liquid clay slip into multipart plaster moulds. After joining and detailed hand-finishing, the pieces were fired at high temperatures without a glaze.

Authentic pieces feature a smooth matte texture resembling marble, crisp detail in drapery and facial features, visible firing seam remnants, and slight translucency when held to strong light.

Parian figures are best styled against contrasting dark backdrops, such as on a mahogany sideboard, inside a dark painted alcove, or positioned on a mantelpiece.

Dust the unglazed surface regularly with a soft hair brush; embedded dirt can be cleaned using lukewarm water and a mild non-abrasive soap, taking care not to soak firing vent holes.
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