Early Derby soft-paste porcelain figurine "Piper" musician with pipe and tabor, c 1765, hand-painted and gilded, with patch marks
£900.00
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Early Derby Soft-Paste Porcelain Figurine - Musician with Pipe and Tabor, c. 1765
A finely crafted figure in soft-paste porcelain, painted with enamels and gilded, depicting a man playing a pipe and tabor. He stands on a rococo base, wearing a plumed hat over long hair, a flowered cloak, a tunic with slashed sleeves, and loose breeches. The figure leans against a tree trunk, from which a satchel is suspended. The base features 'patch marks,' indicative of Derby porcelain.
Certainly, a rare and highly collectible figurine, similar examples can be found in the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This piece appears to be part of a unique collection of Derby porcelain figurines, carefully curated over many years.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory traces its origins to the late 1740s when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making simple porcelain animal figurines. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath partnered with Planché to establish what became the largest porcelain factory of its time. The company expanded by acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, as well as the stock of other workshops, including that of James Giles. This blend of traditions and craftsmanship allowed Duesbury to establish one of the most prestigious porcelain factories of the 18th and 19th centuries, a legacy that continues today.
At its peak in the 18th century, the Derby Porcelain Manufactory styled itself as "the second Dresden." Duesbury maintained a retail space at The Castle Tavern in Bedford Street, Covent Garden, which served as both a showroom and warehouse. Derby porcelain, some decorated with Imari patterns, was painted in London at the Chelsea premises, creating what became known as Chelsea-Derby porcelain. Eventually, the Chelsea site was closed, and Derby continued independently, gaining Royal patronage and the right to append a crown to its mark—thus, Royal Crown Derby was born. Duesbury also adopted marks from Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin porcelain, believing his wares to be of comparable, if not superior, quality.
Measurements
Height: 21 cm
Weight: 620 g
Condition
Very good antique condition. Restoration to feathers on cap, left hand, left forearm, and neck extending into the collar. Hairline crack to right leg, crack to stump on reverse under the cape, and some pitting and pinpricks to the green enamel covering the leaves. Small losses to leaves and petals, two chips along the cape's edge on the reverse, a crack to the rocaille base at the front, and a chip to the left shoe. As is typical of antique British porcelain, minor imperfections such as firing lines, slight crazing, and wear to gilt should be expected.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Early Derby soft-paste porcelain figurine "Piper" musician with pipe and tabor, c 1765, hand-painted and gilded, with patch marks
£900.00
A finely crafted figure in soft-paste porcelain, painted with enamels and gilded, depicting a man playing a pipe and tabor. He stands on a rococo base, wearing a plumed hat over long hair, a flowered cloak, a tunic with slashed sleeves, and loose breeches. The figure leans against a tree trunk, from which a satchel is suspended. The base features 'patch marks,' indicative of Derby porcelain.
Certainly, a rare and highly collectible figurine, similar examples can be found in the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This piece appears to be part of a unique collection of Derby porcelain figurines, carefully curated over many years.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory traces its origins to the late 1740s when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making simple porcelain animal figurines. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath partnered with Planché to establish what became the largest porcelain factory of its time. The company expanded by acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, as well as the stock of other workshops, including that of James Giles. This blend of traditions and craftsmanship allowed Duesbury to establish one of the most prestigious porcelain factories of the 18th and 19th centuries, a legacy that continues today.
At its peak in the 18th century, the Derby Porcelain Manufactory styled itself as "the second Dresden." Duesbury maintained a retail space at The Castle Tavern in Bedford Street, Covent Garden, which served as both a showroom and warehouse. Derby porcelain, some decorated with Imari patterns, was painted in London at the Chelsea premises, creating what became known as Chelsea-Derby porcelain. Eventually, the Chelsea site was closed, and Derby continued independently, gaining Royal patronage and the right to append a crown to its mark—thus, Royal Crown Derby was born. Duesbury also adopted marks from Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin porcelain, believing his wares to be of comparable, if not superior, quality.
Measurements
Height: 21 cm
Weight: 620 g
Condition
Very good antique condition. Restoration to feathers on cap, left hand, left forearm, and neck extending into the collar. Hairline crack to right leg, crack to stump on reverse under the cape, and some pitting and pinpricks to the green enamel covering the leaves. Small losses to leaves and petals, two chips along the cape's edge on the reverse, a crack to the rocaille base at the front, and a chip to the left shoe. As is typical of antique British porcelain, minor imperfections such as firing lines, slight crazing, and wear to gilt should be expected.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.