Featured A mysterious Derby Porcelain Dwarf

Hi,

I came into posession of what I believe to be a 19th-century Derby Porcelain Dwarf. As I began to research it, I found that there are no images anywhere on the internet which features this dwarf with his hands at his side; mine is precisely posed as such. The mark on the base is U-22A but, when I search that mark, I only find similar dwarfs but holding a staff. Can anyone point me in the right direction here?

An image of it here:
https://ibb.co/2rYLTXr

 

Are U a NEW MEMBER, just found this site,LOOK HERE 1st ....

 

Here's your image:

 

I know nothing about this figure, but I am fing the same search results. It's an and oddity. Does the hand retain on opening for the staff?

 

Welcome Cam-Cute as can be,and if a true Derby variant, will be worth much dinero.Good luck on nailing down documentation.
PS-By the way,can you tell us more about that intriguing inlaid piece Mr. Derby's perched on ?

 

i'm finding similar, different paint jobs though as well

can we see the mark on yours please

original (with original old 19thc derby mark)

https://www.chairish.com/product/35...sh-derby-porcelain-mansion-house-dwarf-figure

another character variant


https://www.chairish.com/product/35...sh-derby-porcelain-mansion-house-dwarf-figure

 

you want your derby mark to look like that as well if old, if not i'd think later, maybe much

 

Beautifully nuanced painting-if I ever see those in the dollar bin !

 

Here's the mark on the base:

https://ibb.co/9dqv99f

 

It does not retain an opening

 

As a rule, we here are not fond of opening links to sites we don't know , from new members........
Get with the program....... & help us , to help you !!


Are U a NEW MEMBER, just found this site,LOOK HERE 1st ....

 

It looks like you may have just listed it with a possible Samson attribution which is what I was finding also. Just in looking on the web, I haven't seen any with the arms in the same position either. I'm certainly no expert so hopefully someone more familiar will check in.

My question is, have you checked with a black light or other resources to see if one arm/hand might be a restoration? There is just enough color difference in the hands to really make me wonder.

 

i think we can rule out derby with that mark, really don't like that thick base rim for derby either

maybe another maker inspired by the derby pieces, and think a lot later

 

@Chinoiserie

might know a bit better about derby

 

The Fitzwilliam Museum has some information about the figures. The one they show is from the early 19th C. and does have the staff. There is also some info on possible earlier makers other than Derby. Samson is not mentioned and would be later than their version.

https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/73489


"The dwarves were derived from etchings by Jacques Callot in the series entitled 'Varie figure gobbi di Jacopo Callot', executed in Florence in 1616, and published in 1622. This model, was derived from L'homme au ventre tombant, et a chapeau très élèvé, see See Lieure, 1927, An example is in the Fitzwilliam Museum Print Room (24.I.9.762). The model had been produced earlier at Meissen, Mennecy, and Chelsea. The prints do not feature the notices pinned to the dwarves' hats, which appear on some of the later Derby models.

This is a late example of this model, indicated by the garish colouring

This model and its companion were described as 'Pair of Grotesque Punches' in Haslem's 'Price List of Groups and Single Figures' made at Derby, see Documentation 1876."

 

yeah that ones a beauty !!

 

i want one by the way (above one)

 

rich colors.... I like the harlequin vibe....