Featured A mysterious Derby Porcelain Dwarf

I'll take a Baker's Dozen-gorgeous.

 

This is a bit wild-"These figures are thought to be inspired by two sources: either the engravings of the 17th-century artist Callot, or by "real dwarfs who carried advertisements on their large hats outside London's Mansion House in the Tudor period."
Didn't see that in 'Shakespeare In Love'

 

another reason to watch an idiot abroad

 

Have you examined your figurine under a black light to see if the arm has been restored? I can't figure any other explanation as to why there's another figurine with the same U-22A that shows the arm upright holding a staff while your figurine has the arm in a different position. If you notice on your figurine the different hand is painted more plainly than the other and the cuff seems to be rougher looking. There also appears to be a rough spot where a staff could have been attached to the base.



The numbers on the base remind me of the numbers on Japanese imports from after WW1 when some companies were remaking old German and French figurines. Sylvan China sold replicas from some Royal Dux old molds and used red numbers. Arnart was another company that sold replicas of old French figurines, usually Jean Gille and Vion & Baury. To me the numbers on your figurine look 20th century.

The bottoms of the other bases like your figure:




There isn't much info about Vic Pearson & Co. There are some references on Google Books that show three addresses from the 1970's-1990's. The Getty Center in Los Angeles has one file about them. They were importers/exporters/shippers based in London. There are several items with their shipping label that are in museums.

Various bases over the years:

Old Derby showing the incised 227 model number:


Presumably made by Edme Samson in Paris:


Royal Crown Derby made in 1976:


I copied a page from a Crown Derby book showing the figurines:

 

marvelous info JB

 

was kinda hoping there was 7

 

I took me a few minutes to figure out what you meant.

 

Yes. Everything JB Miller just said.

 

I'm not that clued up on it like most things. If there is a piece I'll usually end up picking it up and looking at it because it's quality always shines through. I just don't bother with derby posies

Not seen these dwarf figurines before but they are definitely on my radar now. They are lovely. I agree on the thick base and reference number on the OP. Quite possibly repro.

 

PS the decor looks more German than Japanese to me.

 

amazing what some sellers are selling (not that i've been looking to buy one or anything)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/38879373...RgD0Sp/BBPBwr2+kd0NMRqtw==|tkp:Bk9SR-zZ4P6dZg

a truly stunning chelsea one for 3 grand (watch those fingers )

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29627366...x1mZPmQPBSiYTuZNW32rst7bU=|tkp:Bk9SR-zZ4P6dZg

 

I can't view them or find them by searching item number. I have lost the knack.

 

@JB Miller Where have you been all our life !? Superb info-like a crash course from a V&A Curator.
How do I award JB a 'Best Answer' laureate or did we abolish that button ?

 

only the OP or a Mod can activate that button.....

but u can shower JB with praise !!!

 

-and,THE OSCAR GOES TO j.B. !

 

Thanks Komo ! By the way-what's the difference between an OP and a Mod (and a Rocker) ?

 

I'm a lifelong Picker,but it's truly humbling to view the creme de la creme of Ebay offerings. If I was a sane person-I'd give up Picking immediately and make a dump run !

 

Well, darn. I inherited an entire tea set of Derby Posies.