What are putti in porcelain?

Putti are winged infant figures derived from classical art that gained immense popularity during the rococo period. In ceramics, they appear as playful attendants clambering over clocks, holding floral garlands or serving as lamp bases. These figures embody the lighthearted, theatrical spirit of the revival styles. Sculptors used them to add narrative charm and movement to otherwise static decorative objects.

How do I date these pieces?

Dating relies on factory marks, the composition of the paste and the style of the metal mounts. Eighteenth-century examples often feature early underglaze blue marks and softer potting, while nineteenth-century revival pieces display heavier gilding and machine-tooled bronze. Examining the wear on the base and the attachment methods of the metal components also helps establish the era of manufacture. Revival pieces from the Victorian era frequently mimic earlier eighteenth-century aesthetics closely.

Where were these pieces made?

Production centred primarily in Germany, France and England during both the historical periods and the later revival eras. Major factories included Meissen and Sitzendorf in Germany, alongside Sèvres and various Parisian workshops in France. English contributions came from historic sites such as Bow, Chelsea and Derby, producing distinct soft-paste figures. Continental makers often exported large quantities of gilt-bronze mounted ceramics to the British market.