Early Derby Porcelain Candlestick: Venus and Cupid Figurine, Rococo Rocaille Base, c. 1765
£900.00
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Early Derby Porcelain Figural Candlestick Depicting Venus and Cupid, c. 1765, William Duesbury, patch period
A finely modelled Derby porcelain figurine candlestick, dating to circa 1765, depicting Venus accompanied by Cupid. The piece is decorated in bright polychrome enamels, with tones of pink, turquoise green, and yellow. The figures are set on a richly moulded rocaille base, detailed with scrolls and highlighted with gilding. Three ‘patch marks' are present on the underside.
This example originates from a meticulously curated collection of early Derby porcelain figurines, gathered over many years.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory originated in the late 1740s with Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, who began crafting simple porcelain animal figures. In 1756, Planché joined with Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath to form what would become the largest porcelain factory of its time. The enterprise grew rapidly, acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories as well as the stock of several other workshops, including that of James Giles.
The integration of varying porcelain traditions and the skill of its artisans allowed Derby to flourish, producing high-quality wares that rivalled the best in Europe. At its 18th-century peak, the "Derby Porcelain Manufactory" even described itself as "the second Dresden."
Duesbury maintained a dedicated retail space at The Castle Tavern, Covent Garden, serving as both exhibition area and warehouse. The partnership with Chelsea created the renowned Chelsea-Derby porcelain, with decoration often completed in London. Eventually, the Chelsea site closed, and the Derby brand stood on its own. Royal patronage granted the right to use a crown mark, giving rise to Royal Crown Derby.
Duesbury also adopted marks similar to those of Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin porcelain, believing Derby's output to be second only to these famed centres.
Measurements
Height: 26 cm
Weight: 838 g
Condition
Cracks to the socket. Restoration to the bobèche and losses to its edge. Small losses to flowers and petals. Restoration to Cupid's right hand and finger tips on the left. Chip to Cupid's left wing. Fleabites and tiny chips along the swirled base. Fleabites to the edge of Venus's tunic. Restoration to Venus's right arm along the shoulder line.
Antique British porcelain often bears signs of historical production methods. Coal-fired kilns resulted in firing specks, and experimentation sometimes led to imperfections such as firing lines or crazing. These are part of the manufacturing character. Normal age-related wear, minor scratches, nicks, and slight gilt disintegration should also be expected.
Please carefully review all photographs provided. If you have any doubts or need further details, don't hesitate to request more images or clarification.
Shipping & Packaging
Item will be sent fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
Early Derby Porcelain Candlestick: Venus and Cupid Figurine, Rococo Rocaille Base, c. 1765
£900.00
A finely modelled Derby porcelain figurine candlestick, dating to circa 1765, depicting Venus accompanied by Cupid. The piece is decorated in bright polychrome enamels, with tones of pink, turquoise green, and yellow. The figures are set on a richly moulded rocaille base, detailed with scrolls and highlighted with gilding. Three ‘patch marks' are present on the underside.
This example originates from a meticulously curated collection of early Derby porcelain figurines, gathered over many years.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory originated in the late 1740s with Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, who began crafting simple porcelain animal figures. In 1756, Planché joined with Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath to form what would become the largest porcelain factory of its time. The enterprise grew rapidly, acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories as well as the stock of several other workshops, including that of James Giles.
The integration of varying porcelain traditions and the skill of its artisans allowed Derby to flourish, producing high-quality wares that rivalled the best in Europe. At its 18th-century peak, the "Derby Porcelain Manufactory" even described itself as "the second Dresden."
Duesbury maintained a dedicated retail space at The Castle Tavern, Covent Garden, serving as both exhibition area and warehouse. The partnership with Chelsea created the renowned Chelsea-Derby porcelain, with decoration often completed in London. Eventually, the Chelsea site closed, and the Derby brand stood on its own. Royal patronage granted the right to use a crown mark, giving rise to Royal Crown Derby.
Duesbury also adopted marks similar to those of Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin porcelain, believing Derby's output to be second only to these famed centres.
Measurements
Height: 26 cm
Weight: 838 g
Condition
Cracks to the socket. Restoration to the bobèche and losses to its edge. Small losses to flowers and petals. Restoration to Cupid's right hand and finger tips on the left. Chip to Cupid's left wing. Fleabites and tiny chips along the swirled base. Fleabites to the edge of Venus's tunic. Restoration to Venus's right arm along the shoulder line.
Antique British porcelain often bears signs of historical production methods. Coal-fired kilns resulted in firing specks, and experimentation sometimes led to imperfections such as firing lines or crazing. These are part of the manufacturing character. Normal age-related wear, minor scratches, nicks, and slight gilt disintegration should also be expected.
Please carefully review all photographs provided. If you have any doubts or need further details, don't hesitate to request more images or clarification.
Shipping & Packaging
Item will be sent fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to ask any questions.