{"product_id":"rare-derby-porcelain-figurine-boy-with-macaroni-dog-c-1775","title":"Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: Boy with Macaroni Dog, c.1775","description":"Rare Derby Soft-Paste Porcelain Figurine - \"Boy with a Macaroni Dog\", c.1760s, William Duesbury, patch period\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA charming and rare soft-paste porcelain figure depicting a boy with a Macaroni dog, painted in polychrome enamels and gilded. The boy, dressed in a fanciful costume, kneels on a rocky mound with his arms around the dog, which wears a cocked hat. The figure stands on a moulded base, which features 'patch marks,' characteristic of Derby porcelain.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nIn 18th-century England, the term 'Macaroni' referred to extravagantly dressed fops or dandies and was sometimes applied humorously to animals. This figure is a whimsical interpretation of that theme.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis figurine is an exceptionally rare example, with a similar piece housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inventory number O165831, https:\/\/collections.vam.ac.uk\/item\/O165831\/boy-with-macaroni-dog-figure-william-duesbury\/). The museum reference describes this figure as one of a pair with Girl and Cat, acquired by Lady Charlotte Schreiber from Flandin, Paris in 1873 for £14—equivalent to approximately £1621 today.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece forms part of a meticulously assembled collection of Derby porcelain figures, showcasing some of the finest examples of 18th-century British ceramic artistry.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThis piece is one of a pair, the other being \"Girl with Macaroni Cat,\" which is also available in our shop.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nHistorical Background\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Derby Porcelain Factory traces its roots to the late 1740s when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making simple porcelain animal toys. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath partnered with Planché to form a porcelain factory that would grow to become one of the largest of its time. The factory absorbed several other operations, including the Chelsea and Bow factories and the stock of James Giles.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nDerby's hand-painted porcelain—often finished with Imari-style decoration at the Chelsea site—was so admired that Duesbury's advertising proudly proclaimed Derby as \"the second Dresden.\" Retail operations were conducted from The Castle Tavern in Covent Garden, which doubled as warehouse and exhibition space.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nEventually, the Chelsea site was closed, and the name Derby carried on, bolstered by royal patronage. This led to the addition of a crown to the factory's mark, thus founding Royal Crown Derby. Duesbury even used representations of the marks used by Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin to signify the high quality of his wares.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCollectors should note that antique British porcelain typically bears some irregularities. Kiln firing with coal often caused specks and minor imperfections, and British makers were known for their experimentation, sometimes resulting in shrinkage lines or crazing. Gilding can naturally deteriorate over time, and minor wear such as scratches or stains is expected from items of this age.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMeasurements\u003cbr\u003e\nHeight: 15 cm\u003cbr\u003e\nWeight: 359 g\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition\u003cbr\u003e\nExcellent antique condition. There are minor losses to the green shrub and some tiny losses to petals and leaves. An underglaze crack is visible on the cape, which has been professionally restored, along with the neck (both front and reverse). Please examine all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Additional photos are available upon request.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping \u0026amp; Packaging\u003cbr\u003e\nShipped fully tracked and insured.\u003cbr\u003e\nShipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease don't hesitate to reach out with any questions before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62884904632650,"sku":null,"price":670.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.6732830086_mync.jpg?v=1785918582","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/rare-derby-porcelain-figurine-boy-with-macaroni-dog-c-1775","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}