What is an english soft paste figure?

These pieces are early ceramic sculptures produced by eighteenth-century English factories using a vitreous soft-paste porcelain body. They depict human figures, allegorical themes, and pastoral scenes. Craftsmen hand-modelled and hand-painted each example, creating decorative works that reflect the rococo and neoclassical tastes of the period.

How were these figures used originally?

Wealthy patrons displayed these ceramics on dining tables as part of elaborate dessert services or arranged them on mantelpieces and cabinets. Candlestick variants also provided functional illumination framed by decorative porcelain figures. They served as conversational ornaments that demonstrated the owner's cultural interests and appreciation for contemporary porcelain art.

How do I care for soft paste porcelain?

Keep these fragile ceramics away from direct sunlight and areas subject to sudden temperature shifts to protect the historic glaze and enamel paints. Dust them gently with a soft, dry brush rather than using water or chemical cleaners. Display them securely inside enclosed cabinets where vibrations or accidental knocks cannot damage delicate elements like bocage leaves or fingers.

How do I identify the factory?

Look for factory marks on the base, such as patch marks, anchor symbols, or painted numerals that correspond to specific historical workshops. The modelling style, clay weight, and enamel palette also offer strong clues to the place of origin. Comparing pieces to museum-referenced examples helps confirm whether a work originated from Bow, Derby, Chelsea or another eighteenth-century pottery.

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English Soft Paste Figure

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An english soft paste figure brings the warmth of eighteenth-century kilns to a cabinet, portraying shepherds, allegories and musicians in early ceramic.

Chelsea Porcelain Figurine of “Diana the Huntress”, Gold Anchor, C. 1760.

18th century

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Chelsea Porcelain Figurine of “Diana the Huntress”, Gold Anchor, C. 1760.

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£800

FOR SALE

ceramics

Huge Early Derby Porcelain Figure Group Depicting Father Time Clipping Cupids Wings. 35cm Sculpture. Circa 1770

18th century

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Huge Early Derby Porcelain Figure Group Depicting Father Time Clipping Cupids Wings. 35cm Sculpture. Circa 1770

From Dragoncharger Antiques

£3,950

FOR SALE

ceramics

Chelsea Porcelain Statuette with the Symbol of America, C. 1765.

18th century

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Chelsea Porcelain Statuette with the Symbol of America, C. 1765.

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£1,500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Bow Porcelain Figurine – Boy Singer, England, C.1765

18th century

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Bow Porcelain Figurine – Boy Singer, England, C.1765

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£700

FOR SALE

ceramics

Georgian Derby Porcelain Candlestick “Dog and Birds”, Museum-referenced Antique, C.1760

18th century

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Georgian Derby Porcelain Candlestick “Dog and Birds”, Museum-referenced Antique, C.1760

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£1,500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Antique Derby Porcelain Figure Girl in Chair C.1790

18th century

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Antique Derby Porcelain Figure Girl in Chair C.1790

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Chelsea Porcelain Figurine Symbolising Asia, C. 1765.

18th century

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Chelsea Porcelain Figurine Symbolising Asia, C. 1765.

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£1,500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Pair Bow Porcelain Bocage Candlesticks, C. 1765.

18th century

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Pair Bow Porcelain Bocage Candlesticks, C. 1765.

From Philip Carrol Antiques

£690

FOR SALE

lighting

Large Early Derby Porcelain Figure of Zeus / Jupiter, Hand Painted with Gilt Highlights. Circa 1785.

19th century

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Large Early Derby Porcelain Figure of Zeus / Jupiter, Hand Painted with Gilt Highlights. Circa 1785.

From Dragoncharger Antiques

£1,250

FOR SALE

ceramics

Longton Hall Figure of Milkman, Circa 1755

18th century

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Longton Hall Figure of Milkman, Circa 1755

From Treaders Collectables

£9,500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Listings feature works spanning the eighteenth century through the Edwardian era, predominantly utilising soft-paste porcelain, enamel, and gold leaf.

Early Derby, Patch Period, Diana Figurine, William Duesbury & Co., Ca. 1765

18th century

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Early Derby, Patch Period, Diana Figurine, William Duesbury & Co., Ca. 1765

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£700

FOR SALE

ceramics

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English Soft Paste Figure

Chelsea Porcelain Figurine of “Diana the Huntress”, Gold Anchor, C. 1760.

Huge Early Derby Porcelain Figure Group Depicting Father Time Clipping Cupids Wings. 35cm Sculpture. Circa 1770

Chelsea Porcelain Statuette with the Symbol of America, C. 1765.

Bow Porcelain Figurine – Boy Singer, England, C.1765

Georgian Derby Porcelain Candlestick “Dog and Birds”, Museum-referenced Antique, C.1760

Antique Derby Porcelain Figure Girl in Chair C.1790

Chelsea Porcelain Figurine Symbolising Asia, C. 1765.

Pair Bow Porcelain Bocage Candlesticks, C. 1765.

Large Early Derby Porcelain Figure of Zeus / Jupiter, Hand Painted with Gilt Highlights. Circa 1785.

Longton Hall Figure of Milkman, Circa 1755

Early Derby, Patch Period, Diana Figurine, William Duesbury & Co., Ca. 1765

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