Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: "Taste" from "The Five Senses" Set, c. 1765
£2,030.00
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Extremely Rare Soft-Paste Porcelain Figurine "Taste" - Derby, The Five Senses Set
This exceptionally rare soft-paste porcelain figurine, titled "Taste," is part of "The Five Senses" set by Derby. The figure depicts a bareheaded youth clad in a shirt, jacket, and breeches, seated beside a leopard, which he strokes with his right hand. Originally, he held a bunch of grapes in his left hand, but they are now missing.
This figure is documented in Peter Bradshaw's "Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848" (pp. 216-217). It appears that no collector or museum has a complete set of "The Five Senses," and this model is no longer in the Hanbury Hall collection, despite being listed in Bradshaw's book. Over the past 15 years, this figurine has only appeared for sale once, highlighting its rarity. It forms part of a meticulously assembled collection of Derby porcelain figurines, gathered over many years.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain Factory traces its origins to the late 1740s, when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began producing simple porcelain animal figures. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath joined Planché to establish what would become the largest porcelain factory of its time. The factory absorbed the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, as well as the stock of several workshops, including that of James Giles.
Derby porcelain was highly regarded in the 18th century, with the factory advertising itself as "the second Dresden." Duesbury maintained a prominent retail space at The Castle Tavern in Covent Garden, which served as a warehouse and showroom for an increasingly successful trade. The factory's hand-painted porcelain, including pieces decorated in the Imari style, was sometimes finished in London at the Chelsea premises, creating what is now known as Chelsea Derby porcelain. Eventually, the Chelsea site closed, and Derby continued under royal patronage, leading to the prestigious Royal Crown Derby name.
Duesbury's ambition saw Derby rival the finest European porcelain manufacturers, even adopting marks similar to those of Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin to signify its quality. Today, Derby porcelain remains a symbol of 18th and 19th-century craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
It is important to note that antique British porcelain is rarely perfect due to the coal-fired kilns used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Firing specks, shrinkage lines, and natural crazing are common. British makers often experimented with their techniques, leading to minor imperfections that are intrinsic to the production process. Additionally, age and use result in normal signs of wear, such as slight gilding loss, minor surface scratches, and natural patina.
Measurements
Height: 27 cm
Weight: 1859 g
Condition
Very good antique condition. Professional restoration to the right arm (just below the shoulder), neck, right hand, and right lapel. Small chips and professional restoration to the tip of the left lapel and right calf. Small crack to the left foot and underside of the trousers. Losses and restorations to flowers. Two small cracks on the underside of the jacket at the back. Small purple stain and a small restored area on the man's hair. Small crack on the leopard's back. Please carefully review all photos as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to ask any questions before purchasing.
Rare Derby Porcelain Figurine: "Taste" from "The Five Senses" Set, c. 1765
£2,030.00
This exceptionally rare soft-paste porcelain figurine, titled "Taste," is part of "The Five Senses" set by Derby. The figure depicts a bareheaded youth clad in a shirt, jacket, and breeches, seated beside a leopard, which he strokes with his right hand. Originally, he held a bunch of grapes in his left hand, but they are now missing.
This figure is documented in Peter Bradshaw's "Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848" (pp. 216-217). It appears that no collector or museum has a complete set of "The Five Senses," and this model is no longer in the Hanbury Hall collection, despite being listed in Bradshaw's book. Over the past 15 years, this figurine has only appeared for sale once, highlighting its rarity. It forms part of a meticulously assembled collection of Derby porcelain figurines, gathered over many years.
Historical Background
The Derby Porcelain Factory traces its origins to the late 1740s, when Andrew Planché, a Walloon Huguenot refugee, began producing simple porcelain animal figures. In 1756, Staffordshire enameller William Duesbury and banker John Heath joined Planché to establish what would become the largest porcelain factory of its time. The factory absorbed the bankrupt Chelsea and Bow factories, as well as the stock of several workshops, including that of James Giles.
Derby porcelain was highly regarded in the 18th century, with the factory advertising itself as "the second Dresden." Duesbury maintained a prominent retail space at The Castle Tavern in Covent Garden, which served as a warehouse and showroom for an increasingly successful trade. The factory's hand-painted porcelain, including pieces decorated in the Imari style, was sometimes finished in London at the Chelsea premises, creating what is now known as Chelsea Derby porcelain. Eventually, the Chelsea site closed, and Derby continued under royal patronage, leading to the prestigious Royal Crown Derby name.
Duesbury's ambition saw Derby rival the finest European porcelain manufacturers, even adopting marks similar to those of Sèvres, Dresden, and Berlin to signify its quality. Today, Derby porcelain remains a symbol of 18th and 19th-century craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
It is important to note that antique British porcelain is rarely perfect due to the coal-fired kilns used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Firing specks, shrinkage lines, and natural crazing are common. British makers often experimented with their techniques, leading to minor imperfections that are intrinsic to the production process. Additionally, age and use result in normal signs of wear, such as slight gilding loss, minor surface scratches, and natural patina.
Measurements
Height: 27 cm
Weight: 1859 g
Condition
Very good antique condition. Professional restoration to the right arm (just below the shoulder), neck, right hand, and right lapel. Small chips and professional restoration to the tip of the left lapel and right calf. Small crack to the left foot and underside of the trousers. Losses and restorations to flowers. Two small cracks on the underside of the jacket at the back. Small purple stain and a small restored area on the man's hair. Small crack on the leopard's back. Please carefully review all photos as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please feel free to ask any questions before purchasing.