What periods do these pieces date from?

The inventory spans the late nineteenth century through the Edwardian period, 1910, 1920, and into the Art Deco era of 1930. Most items originate from the turn of the twentieth century, reflecting Art Nouveau and Victorian Orientalist design movements.

How were these figures used originally?

Owners placed these items on mantelpieces, tables, and pedestals as purely decorative sculptural objects within the home. Certain pieces served functional purposes, operating as spill vases for matches, centrepieces for dining tables, or vide poche receptacles.

How do I identify Art Nouveau examples?

Art Nouveau items feature flowing hair, natural drapery, shell motifs, and asymmetrical poses representing maidens, water nymphs, and bathers. These pieces typically date from the late nineteenth century to the early Edwardian decade.

What materials make up these sculptures?

Makers utilised porcelain, ceramic, earthenware, and biscuit porcelain as the primary base media for forming the figures. Surfaces received enrichment through enamel painting, gilt highlights, and applied gold leaf.