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Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760
Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd
Id #SA1106398
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Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760

18th century
Sold 18 July 2025 · Gillers Antiques Ltd
This “Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760” found a buyer.

It was listed by Gillers Antiques Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

An antique Derby figurine of a shepherdess with a sheep, crafted from soft-paste porcelain, painted in enamels, and gilded. The shepherd motif was repeated numerous times in Derby's history, with variations in color schemes, figure shapes, and paired designs. We believe the shepherdess figurine presented here is among the most successful examples, showcasing the artistry of the past in all its glory. Three 'patch marks' on the base indicate the period of manufacture.

The Derby Porcelain Factory, established in the mid-18th century in Derby, England, became one of the most esteemed English porcelain manufacturers of its time. Its "patch period," spanning roughly the 1750s and 1760s, is named after the distinctive "patch marks" on the bases of figures, which hid the supports used during firing. During this era, the factory produced highly sought-after figurines, particularly of pastoral scenes and characters from the popular Commedia dell'arte. Known for exceptional detail, vivid colors, and lively expressions, these pieces often rivaled the quality of the finest German (Meissen) and Sèvres porcelains. The patch period remains a celebrated phase in Derby's history, representing both the peak of craftsmanship and a unique collectible category for enthusiasts of English ceramics.

Dimensions: Height 19 cm, width 9 cm, depth 8 cm, weight 473 grams.

Condition: Excellent antique condition, with no visible signs of breakage or restoration; even the flowers surrounding the figure remain intact.

Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Derby Porcelain Figurine to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1106398
Description
An antique Derby figurine of a shepherdess with a sheep, crafted from soft-paste porcelain, painted in enamels, and gilded.
“
The shepherd motif was repeated numerous times in Derby's history, with variations in color schemes, figure shapes, and paired designs.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

We believe the shepherdess figurine presented here is among the most successful examples, showcasing the artistry of the past in all its glory. Three 'patch marks' on the base indicate the period of manufacture.

fig 1. An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding.
fig 1. Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760

The Derby Porcelain Factory, established in the mid-18th century in Derby, England, became one of the most esteemed English porcelain manufacturers of its time. Its "patch period," spanning roughly the 1750s and 1760s, is named after the distinctive "patch marks" on the bases of figures, which hid the supports used during firing. During this era, the factory produced highly sought-after figurines, particularly of pastoral scenes and characters from the popular Commedia dell'arte. Known for exceptional detail, vivid colors, and lively expressions, these pieces often rivaled the quality of the finest German (Meissen) and Sèvres porcelains. The patch period remains a celebrated phase in Derby's history, representing both the peak of craftsmanship and a unique collectible category for enthusiasts of English ceramics.

fig 2. An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding.
fig 2. Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760

Dimensions: Height 19 cm, width 9 cm, depth 8 cm, weight 473 grams.

Condition: Excellent antique condition, with no visible signs of breakage or restoration; even the flowers surrounding the figure remain intact.

fig 3. An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding.
fig 3. Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760

Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Antique Derby Porcelain Figurine to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1106398
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 antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, C. 1760

Archive II An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View II
Archive III An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View III
Archive IV An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View IV
Archive V An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View V
Archive VI An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View VI
Archive VII An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 397
Items Sold 581
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
397
Sold
581
An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding.
Derby, Porcelain Figurine of Shepherdess, c. 1760
Ref: SA1106398
An antique Derby porcelain figurine of a shepherdess in a floral dress holding a lamb, featuring hand-painted polychrome details and gilding.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFigurines & Sculptures
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialSoft-paste Porcelain, Enamel, Gold Gilt
  • ColourMulticolour
  • MotifsPastoral shepherdess subject, Hand-painted floral patterns, Gilt highlights, Moulded scroll base

Derby porcelain factories produced some of the finest soft-paste ceramic figures in England during the mid-to-late 18th century, often inspired by continental Meissen designs.

These pieces were typically crafted from soft-paste porcelain, hand-modelled, and decorated with polychrome enamel paints and gilded highlights.

Authenticity is determined by examining paste characteristics, glaze pooling, hand-painted details, and occasionally underglaze blue or crown mark identifiers from the period.

They can be displayed on a mantelpiece, inside a glass-fronted cabinet, or styled alongside books on a shelf to add historic charm and colour to a room.

Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent paint fading, dust gently with a soft dry brush, and avoid using any liquid cleaners or harsh chemicals.
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