Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: Girl with Macaroni Cat, c.1775
£725.00
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Rare Derby Soft-Paste Porcelain Figurine - "Girl with a Macaroni Cat", c.1760s, William Duesbury, patch period
A finely crafted soft-paste porcelain figurine, painted with enamels and gilded, depicting a girl in an elegant blue bodice, red-lined black cape, flowered skirt, and white apron. She embraces a cat wearing a linen cap, a whimsical nod to the 18th-century fashion trend of 'Macaroni'—a term used to describe flamboyant dress, often humorously applied to animals as well. The figure stands on a moulded base, which features 'patch marks,' characteristic of Derby porcelain.
This figurine is an exceptionally rare example, with a similar piece housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inventory number O165830, https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O165830/girl-with-macaroni-cat-figure-william-duesbury/). The museum reference describes this figure as one of a pair with Boy and Dog, acquired by Lady Charlotte Schreiber from Flandin, Paris in 1873 for £14—equivalent to approximately £1621 today.
This piece forms part of a meticulously assembled collection of Derby porcelain figures, showcasing some of the finest examples of 18th-century British ceramic artistry.
This piece is one of a pair, the other being "Boy with a Macaroni Dog," which is also available in our shop.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory traces its origins to the late 1740s when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making small porcelain figures. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath partnered with Planché to establish what became one of the most successful British porcelain manufactories. By acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, along with independent decorators such as James Giles, Derby incorporated a blend of influences that cemented its reputation as a leader in porcelain craftsmanship.
During the late 18th century, Derby Porcelain was widely regarded as one of the finest European ceramics manufacturers, even marketing itself as "the second Dresden." The company operated a Covent Garden showroom, The Castle Tavern, which served as both a warehouse and exhibition space. Some of Derby's finest wares were painted at its Chelsea location, known as Chelsea-Derby, before production fully consolidated under the Royal Crown Derby name following the closure of the Chelsea site. The factory also emulated the marks of Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin porcelain, reflecting its ambition to rival Europe's most esteemed producers.
As with most antique British porcelain, minor imperfections are expected due to historical production methods. The coal-fired kilns of the 18th century often led to small firing specks, glaze bubbling, and shrinkage lines. These natural characteristics should be viewed as part of the item's history rather than flaws.
Measurements
Height: 15 cm
Weight: 359 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition. Hairline cracks to the bottom of the dress and minor glaze bubbling. A crack around the stump has been professionally restored. Restoration to the head. Some wear to the enamel commensurate with age. Tiny losses to leaves.
The condition has been described in detail, but please carefully review all photos. If you require additional images or further clarification, feel free to ask.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Feel free to ask any questions before purchasing.
Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: Girl with Macaroni Cat, c.1775
£725.00
A finely crafted soft-paste porcelain figurine, painted with enamels and gilded, depicting a girl in an elegant blue bodice, red-lined black cape, flowered skirt, and white apron. She embraces a cat wearing a linen cap, a whimsical nod to the 18th-century fashion trend of 'Macaroni'—a term used to describe flamboyant dress, often humorously applied to animals as well. The figure stands on a moulded base, which features 'patch marks,' characteristic of Derby porcelain.
This figurine is an exceptionally rare example, with a similar piece housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inventory number O165830, https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O165830/girl-with-macaroni-cat-figure-william-duesbury/). The museum reference describes this figure as one of a pair with Boy and Dog, acquired by Lady Charlotte Schreiber from Flandin, Paris in 1873 for £14—equivalent to approximately £1621 today.
This piece forms part of a meticulously assembled collection of Derby porcelain figures, showcasing some of the finest examples of 18th-century British ceramic artistry.
This piece is one of a pair, the other being "Boy with a Macaroni Dog," which is also available in our shop.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain factory traces its origins to the late 1740s when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began making small porcelain figures. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath partnered with Planché to establish what became one of the most successful British porcelain manufactories. By acquiring the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, along with independent decorators such as James Giles, Derby incorporated a blend of influences that cemented its reputation as a leader in porcelain craftsmanship.
During the late 18th century, Derby Porcelain was widely regarded as one of the finest European ceramics manufacturers, even marketing itself as "the second Dresden." The company operated a Covent Garden showroom, The Castle Tavern, which served as both a warehouse and exhibition space. Some of Derby's finest wares were painted at its Chelsea location, known as Chelsea-Derby, before production fully consolidated under the Royal Crown Derby name following the closure of the Chelsea site. The factory also emulated the marks of Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin porcelain, reflecting its ambition to rival Europe's most esteemed producers.
As with most antique British porcelain, minor imperfections are expected due to historical production methods. The coal-fired kilns of the 18th century often led to small firing specks, glaze bubbling, and shrinkage lines. These natural characteristics should be viewed as part of the item's history rather than flaws.
Measurements
Height: 15 cm
Weight: 359 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition. Hairline cracks to the bottom of the dress and minor glaze bubbling. A crack around the stump has been professionally restored. Restoration to the head. Some wear to the enamel commensurate with age. Tiny losses to leaves.
The condition has been described in detail, but please carefully review all photos. If you require additional images or further clarification, feel free to ask.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Feel free to ask any questions before purchasing.