Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: 'Air' - Allegorical Lady with Birdcage (1756-1765)
£530.00
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Rare Early Derby Porcelain Figure - 'Air' from The Four Elements, c. 1756-1765
An exceptionally rare and highly desirable Derby porcelain figure titled Air, one of the allegorical Four Elements — Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. This example was produced between 1756 and 1765 during the celebrated ‘Patch Period' of the Derby factory, notable for the patch marks on the base indicating the points where supports were applied during glaze firing to prevent adhesion.
The Four Elements were central to ancient philosophical and scientific understandings of the universe, and the 18th-century Neoclassical revival saw renewed interest in these themes across the decorative arts. Derby, like many leading porcelain manufactories of the time, created sets of allegorical figures including the Four Elements, Four Seasons, the Arts, and Muses, drawing from classical symbolism and European rococo aesthetics.
This particular figure of Air depicts a bareheaded lady holding a birdcage. Her robes are painted in Derby's early pastel palette with complementary European floral decoration. The model is illustrated in Peter Bradshaw's reference work Derby Porcelain Figures, which describes the Four Elements series: "Air: a bareheaded lady holding a bird cage... Earth: a gardener... Fire: a youth beside a flaming urn and cannon... Water: a lady holding a fish." This confirms the rarity and importance of this model.
Measurements
Height: 24 cm
Weight: 848 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition overall. The bird once held in the right hand is missing. There is a visible chip to the leaves at the back and a small chip on the right side of the dress. Minor leaf tip losses around the bocage. Paint and detail remain in excellent preservation. Please carefully review all photographs for a complete view of condition.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, professional packaging, and postage.
Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: 'Air' - Allegorical Lady with Birdcage (1756-1765)
£530.00
An exceptionally rare and highly desirable Derby porcelain figure titled Air, one of the allegorical Four Elements — Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. This example was produced between 1756 and 1765 during the celebrated ‘Patch Period' of the Derby factory, notable for the patch marks on the base indicating the points where supports were applied during glaze firing to prevent adhesion.
The Four Elements were central to ancient philosophical and scientific understandings of the universe, and the 18th-century Neoclassical revival saw renewed interest in these themes across the decorative arts. Derby, like many leading porcelain manufactories of the time, created sets of allegorical figures including the Four Elements, Four Seasons, the Arts, and Muses, drawing from classical symbolism and European rococo aesthetics.
This particular figure of Air depicts a bareheaded lady holding a birdcage. Her robes are painted in Derby's early pastel palette with complementary European floral decoration. The model is illustrated in Peter Bradshaw's reference work Derby Porcelain Figures, which describes the Four Elements series: "Air: a bareheaded lady holding a bird cage... Earth: a gardener... Fire: a youth beside a flaming urn and cannon... Water: a lady holding a fish." This confirms the rarity and importance of this model.
Measurements
Height: 24 cm
Weight: 848 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition overall. The bird once held in the right hand is missing. There is a visible chip to the leaves at the back and a small chip on the right side of the dress. Minor leaf tip losses around the bocage. Paint and detail remain in excellent preservation. Please carefully review all photographs for a complete view of condition.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, professional packaging, and postage.