English Derby Porcelain Bun Seller Figure, Late Georgian Period, C.1800

A late Georgian English porcelain figure produced at the Derby porcelain factory around 1800, representing a female street vendor selling buns. Genre figures of this type reflect the period’s interest in scenes of everyday urban life and connect directly to the wider European Cris de Paris tradition.

The figure is lively and expressive, with assured modelling and careful attention to costume. The surface is finished with strong polychrome enamels and surviving gilding. A red Derby crown mark is present on the underside, consistent with the proposed dating. The irregular base and overall finish correspond well with Derby figures of the late Georgian period.

Dimensions:
Height: 18 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 328 g

Condition:
Right arm professionally reattached.
Restoration to the right thumb; little finger of the right hand chipped.
Left hand with chipped thumb.
The belt intended to support the basket is partially missing.
Otherwise very good condition, with strong colours and well-preserved gilding.