Derby Patch-mark Porcelain Musicians Candlesticks, C. 1765–1770

A refined pair of early Derby porcelain candlestick figures, “Seated Musicians with Bagpipes and Guitar”, each raised on an openwork scroll base with flowering bocage. The piper plays beside a hound, and the companion figure holds a stringed instrument next to a lamb.

Comparable examples are held in the V&A Museum. The pair corresponds to Derby model no. 280 published by Bradshaw. Twitchett notes that the adoption of flowering bocage around 1765, together with candle sconces, created some of Derby’s most successful figure groups. Among related models E12, E13 and 307, this variant is considered the finest.

Both figures retain their original instruments, with strong modelling, rich enamels and naturalistic bocage characteristic of early Duesbury work. A museum-level pair, complete with bocage and original matching bases.

Dimensions:

Girl (guitar): 823 g; height 20.5 cm; width 17 cm; depth 10 cm
Piper: 849 g; height 20 cm; width 17 cm; depth 10 cm

Condition:
Girl: some flowers chipped; otherwise excellent, the mandolin intact, the lamb intact, and the candlestick preserved on its original base.
Piper: loss to the central feather on the hat; some flowers chipped; spikes on the dog’s collar chipped; candlestick on its original base; otherwise in excellent antique condition.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.