What is a soft paste porcelain figure?

A soft paste porcelain figure is a sculptural ceramic object modelled from an artificial glassy paste rather than hard-paste kaolin clay. These decorative pieces depict human figures, animals, and allegorical subjects with painted enamel decoration. They emerged from early European manufactories, particularly during the eighteenth century, where modellers translated classical and pastoral themes into delicate ceramic sculpture.

How were these figures used?

These figures served primarily as decorative ornaments for the dining tables, mantelpieces, and display cabinets of prosperous Georgian and later homes. They acted as conversational pieces that displayed the owner's taste and cultural literacy. Many were produced as sets, such as representations of the four continents or the four seasons, intended to be arranged together as a unified decorative scheme.

How do I live with soft paste porcelain?

Living with these porcelain figures requires placing them in stable environments away from direct sunlight and heavy foot traffic that might cause vibrations. Because the soft-paste body and delicate enamel decorations are sensitive, secure display cabinets offer the best protection. Dusting should be done gently with a soft, dry brush, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners or submersion in water.

How do I tell periods apart?

Distinguishing periods relies on examining the characteristics of the porcelain body, the style of the modelling, and any base marks. Eighteenth-century pieces often display hand-modelled nuance, softer enamel palettes, and specific manufacturing traits like patch marks. Later Edwardian or revival pieces tend to show cleaner, whiter porcelain bodies and different moulding techniques that reflect the manufacturing standards of their respective eras.

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Soft Paste Porcelain Figure

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A soft paste porcelain figure brings the tactile warmth and vitreous depth of early ceramic modelling directly into your cabinet.

Bow Porcelain Figure of a Lady with Lamb and Flowers, Circa 1760

19th century

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Bow Porcelain Figure of a Lady with Lamb and Flowers, Circa 1760

From Ritas Bazaar

£450

FOR SALE

ceramics

Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

18th century

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Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£400

FOR SALE

ceramics

Large French Soft-paste Chinoiserie Figure Group, C.1750–1760

18th century

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Large French Soft-paste Chinoiserie Figure Group, C.1750–1760

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£4,500

FOR SALE

ceramics

Derby Porcelain “Idyllic Musicians”, Bloor Period C.1815 – Finely Modelled and Richly Enamelled Figures

19th century

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Derby Porcelain “Idyllic Musicians”, Bloor Period C.1815 – Finely Modelled and Richly Enamelled Figures

From Ritas Bazaar

£600

FOR SALE

ceramics

Derby Porcelain Street Vendor Figure, Bun Seller, C.1800

18th century

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Derby Porcelain Street Vendor Figure, Bun Seller, C.1800

From Ritas Bazaar

£400

FOR SALE

ceramics

18th century

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Chelsea Late 18th Century Candlesticks “Summer” and “Autumn”, C.1775–1783

From Ritas Bazaar

£600

FOR SALE

ceramics

Derby Pair of Candlestick Figures, Musicians with Bocage, C.1765

18th century

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Derby Pair of Candlestick Figures, Musicians with Bocage, C.1765

From Ritas Bazaar

£1,000

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

Early Derby Porcelain Figure Group Depicting Father Time Clipping Cupids Wings. 20cm Sculpture. Circa 1770

18th century

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Early Derby Porcelain Figure Group Depicting Father Time Clipping Cupids Wings. 20cm Sculpture. Circa 1770

From Dragoncharger Antiques

£1,750

FOR SALE

ceramics

The listings on this site span the eighteenth century, the Georgian period, and the Edwardian era, utilising soft-paste porcelain, enamel, and gold leaf.

18th century

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An 18th Century Porcelain Statuette from Derby Symbolising Europe, from a Set Consisting of Four Continents.

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£1,300

FOR SALE

ceramics

18th century

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Pair of Derby Figures C18th

From I M Chaney Antique Furniture

£295

FOR SALE

ceramics

Rare Derby Porcelain Candlestick Figures “Ranelagh Dancers” — Complete Georgian Pair with Sconces, C.1760

18th century

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Rare Derby Porcelain Candlestick Figures “Ranelagh Dancers” — Complete Georgian Pair with Sconces, C.1760

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£2,500

FOR SALE

ceramics

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

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

Derby Porcelain Allegorical Figure of Asia, C. 1760

18th century

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Derby Porcelain Allegorical Figure of Asia, C. 1760

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£1,300

FOR SALE

ceramics

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Soft Paste Porcelain Figure

Bow Porcelain Figure of a Lady with Lamb and Flowers, Circa 1760

Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

Large French Soft-paste Chinoiserie Figure Group, C.1750–1760

Derby Porcelain “Idyllic Musicians”, Bloor Period C.1815 – Finely Modelled and Richly Enamelled Figures

Derby Porcelain Street Vendor Figure, Bun Seller, C.1800

Chelsea Late 18th Century Candlesticks “Summer” and “Autumn”, C.1775–1783

Derby Pair of Candlestick Figures, Musicians with Bocage, C.1765

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

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

Early Derby Porcelain Figure Group Depicting Father Time Clipping Cupids Wings. 20cm Sculpture. Circa 1770

An 18th Century Porcelain Statuette from Derby Symbolising Europe, from a Set Consisting of Four Continents.

Pair of Derby Figures C18th

Rare Derby Porcelain Candlestick Figures “Ranelagh Dancers” — Complete Georgian Pair with Sconces, C.1760

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

Pair Bow Porcelain Bocage Candlesticks, C. 1765.

Derby Porcelain Allegorical Figure of Asia, C. 1760

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