What are antique porcelain putti?

These pieces are ceramic sculptures and decorative objects featuring winged infant figures, originating primarily from European porcelain factories during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They encompass standalone figures, allegorical sets representing the seasons, and sculptural components integrated into clocks, lamps, and centrepieces.

How were porcelain putti used?

Households displayed them on mantelpieces, tables, and dressing mirrors as ornamental centrepieces that demonstrated taste and classical learning. Some objects served practical functions alongside their decoration, operating as oil lamps, candelabra, inkwells, table salts, and chocolate cups with covers.

How do I live with these pieces?

Place them on stable surfaces away from high-traffic areas to protect delicate applied elements like porcelain flowers and outstretched wings from accidental knocks. Keep them out of direct sunlight to preserve the stability of enamel colours and any gilded highlights applied to the porcelain or bronze mounts.

How do I tell periods apart?

Eighteenth-century figures often exhibit softer paste bodies and simpler, hand-modelled botanical elements, reflecting early European porcelain experimentation. Nineteenth-century revival pieces display sharper mould details, brighter polychrome enamels, and frequent combinations with gilt bronze, brass, or ormolu mounts.