Antique Derby Porcelain Figurine: Hand-Painted Shepherd with Pipe, c. 1750s
£365.00
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Antique Derby Soft-Paste Porcelain Figurine - Shepherd with Pipe, c. 1750s-1760s
This rare antique Derby porcelain figurine depicts a shepherd with a pipe, crafted from soft-paste porcelain, hand-painted in enamels, and lightly gilded. The shepherd motif was highly popular among porcelain manufacturers of the time, with Derby producing various iterations featuring different colour palettes, modifications in form, and paired compositions.
The design traces back to Johann Joachim Kändler, a renowned German sculptor of the mid-18th century, whose influence can be seen in this pastoral-style figurine.
The base features three "patch marks", a hallmark of Derby's "patch period" (c. 1750s-1760s), a technique used to conceal supports during firing.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain Factory, founded in the late 1740s in England, became one of the most esteemed porcelain manufacturers of its era. During the patch period (c. 1750s-1760s), Derby produced some of its most sought-after figurines, particularly pastoral scenes and Commedia dell'arte characters. These pieces are celebrated for their exceptional detailing, vibrant colours, and expressive designs, often rivalling the finest German and Sèvres porcelains. Today, patch period Derby figures remain highly collectible, representing a pinnacle of 18th-century English porcelain craftsmanship.
Measurements
Height: 17.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 336 g
Condition
Some paint loss on the hands. While UV light does not show restoration, close magnification reveals minor paint loss on the inner parts of the hands. Otherwise, in excellent antique condition.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Antique Derby Porcelain Figurine: Hand-Painted Shepherd with Pipe, c. 1750s
£365.00
This rare antique Derby porcelain figurine depicts a shepherd with a pipe, crafted from soft-paste porcelain, hand-painted in enamels, and lightly gilded. The shepherd motif was highly popular among porcelain manufacturers of the time, with Derby producing various iterations featuring different colour palettes, modifications in form, and paired compositions.
The design traces back to Johann Joachim Kändler, a renowned German sculptor of the mid-18th century, whose influence can be seen in this pastoral-style figurine.
The base features three "patch marks", a hallmark of Derby's "patch period" (c. 1750s-1760s), a technique used to conceal supports during firing.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain Factory, founded in the late 1740s in England, became one of the most esteemed porcelain manufacturers of its era. During the patch period (c. 1750s-1760s), Derby produced some of its most sought-after figurines, particularly pastoral scenes and Commedia dell'arte characters. These pieces are celebrated for their exceptional detailing, vibrant colours, and expressive designs, often rivalling the finest German and Sèvres porcelains. Today, patch period Derby figures remain highly collectible, representing a pinnacle of 18th-century English porcelain craftsmanship.
Measurements
Height: 17.5 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 336 g
Condition
Some paint loss on the hands. While UV light does not show restoration, close magnification reveals minor paint loss on the inner parts of the hands. Otherwise, in excellent antique condition.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!