Derby Porcelain "Africa" Figurine: 18th Century English Soft-Paste
£4,025.00
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18th Century Derby Porcelain Figurine Representing 'Africa', c. 1765-70
An exceptional and rare 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine symbolising Africa, part of a renowned set depicting the four continents. The figurine is crafted from soft-paste porcelain and features the elegant inscription "AFRICA" in gold on the front base.
This figurine originates from the esteemed Derby Porcelain Factory, notable for its historical significance and superb craftsmanship dating to circa 1765-1770.
Measurements
Height: 24 cm
Weight: 1067 g
Condition
Good antique condition. Minor hairline crack on the back (difficult to see), firing marks on the lion's belly, and small chips on the leaves and flowers. Normal age-related imperfections and gilt wear.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain Factory traces its origins to the late 1740s, when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making porcelain toys shaped like animals. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath joined Planché, forming a factory that grew into one of the largest and most prestigious porcelain manufacturers of its time. The factory later acquired stock and moulds from Chelsea and Bow, solidifying its reputation as a leading English porcelain maker.
During the 18th century, Derby porcelain was regarded as second only to Dresden, and it received Royal patronage, allowing Duesbury to append a crown to the factory's mark, birthing Royal Crown Derby. Derby's output included hand-painted tableware, figural groups, and Imari-style decoration, often executed in London at the Chelsea premises before becoming fully independent.
The factory's technical innovations, coal-fired kilns, and constant experimentation led to occasional firing imperfections, crazing, or shrinkage in the kiln, considered part of the manufacturing process rather than damage.
References
Derby Porcelain: The Golden Years 1750-1770, Dennis G. Rice, page 130, no. 86.
A similar specimen can be found in the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Another example is illustrated in the online exhibition of the Derby Porcelain Society in the 'Nottingham Road' section.
Additional examples are housed in the Winterthur Museum and Birmingham Museum of Art (Collection No. 2000.177.1).
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please carefully review all attached photos, as they form an integral part of the description. Feel free to ask any questions.
Derby Porcelain "Africa" Figurine: 18th Century English Soft-Paste
£4,025.00
An exceptional and rare 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine symbolising Africa, part of a renowned set depicting the four continents. The figurine is crafted from soft-paste porcelain and features the elegant inscription "AFRICA" in gold on the front base.
This figurine originates from the esteemed Derby Porcelain Factory, notable for its historical significance and superb craftsmanship dating to circa 1765-1770.
Measurements
Height: 24 cm
Weight: 1067 g
Condition
Good antique condition. Minor hairline crack on the back (difficult to see), firing marks on the lion's belly, and small chips on the leaves and flowers. Normal age-related imperfections and gilt wear.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain Factory traces its origins to the late 1740s, when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making porcelain toys shaped like animals. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath joined Planché, forming a factory that grew into one of the largest and most prestigious porcelain manufacturers of its time. The factory later acquired stock and moulds from Chelsea and Bow, solidifying its reputation as a leading English porcelain maker.
During the 18th century, Derby porcelain was regarded as second only to Dresden, and it received Royal patronage, allowing Duesbury to append a crown to the factory's mark, birthing Royal Crown Derby. Derby's output included hand-painted tableware, figural groups, and Imari-style decoration, often executed in London at the Chelsea premises before becoming fully independent.
The factory's technical innovations, coal-fired kilns, and constant experimentation led to occasional firing imperfections, crazing, or shrinkage in the kiln, considered part of the manufacturing process rather than damage.
References
Derby Porcelain: The Golden Years 1750-1770, Dennis G. Rice, page 130, no. 86.
A similar specimen can be found in the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Another example is illustrated in the online exhibition of the Derby Porcelain Society in the 'Nottingham Road' section.
Additional examples are housed in the Winterthur Museum and Birmingham Museum of Art (Collection No. 2000.177.1).
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please carefully review all attached photos, as they form an integral part of the description. Feel free to ask any questions.