Items Similar to 18th-Century Derby Porcelain Figure Emblematic of Africa
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
18th-Century Derby Porcelain Figure Emblematic of Africa
$7,000
£5,314.27
€6,126.48
CA$9,902.47
A$10,660.91
CHF 5,709.12
MX$128,460.12
NOK 72,033.30
SEK 65,922.11
DKK 45,779.54
About the Item
Grand Tour Allegory: A Derby Porcelain Figure of "Africa," Circa 1765-1770
An impressive and finely modeled Derby Porcelain Figure of Africa, dating from the factory's celebrated early period, circa 1765-1770. This piece is part of the esteemed series known as the "Four Quarters of the Globe" (or Four Continents), a popular allegorical theme in 18th-century decorative arts derived from classical and baroque prototypes.
The Figure
The allegory of Africa is powerfully represented by a beautifully modeled black youth, symbolizing the exotic and rich nature of the continent.
Headdress and Attire: The figure wears a distinctive elephant headdress and is draped in a scantily-worn cloak of pink lined with turquoise, detailed with gilt flowers and suspended from his right shoulder by a strap.
Attributes: He holds a cornucopia (horn of plenty) filled with flowers in one hand, symbolizing Africa's natural abundance, and originally a scorpion in the other (a tiny leg of which is now missing, but not apparent).
Base: He stands dramatically over a crouching wild lion, which represents the continent's untamed nature. The circular base is richly decorated with applied porcelain flowers and foliage.
Construction: The flat underside of the base shows the characteristic patch marks from the firing process.
Dimensions: 9 1/2 high x 4 1/2 inches diameter (24.13 cm high x 11.43 cm diameter).
Provenance and Condition
Provenance: This figure has a distinguished history, having been part of The Collection of Pierre Durand and later offered by The Chinese Porcelain Company.
Condition: Good antique condition. Very minor frits (small chips) are present to the edges of a few applied flowers on the back of the base, and a small, non-obtrusive loss to one leg of the scorpion.
Historical Context and Scholarly References
1. The "Four Quarters" Series
The popularity of the "Four Quarters of the Globe" series was established in Europe by the mid-18th century. This particular porcelain version was initially modeled for the Chelsea porcelain factory by the acclaimed Flemish sculptor Joseph Willems (c. 1715-1766) around 1758–1760. Derby later acquired and adapted or copied the successful Chelsea models, producing this larger, beautifully painted version.
2. Scholarly Documentation
This figure is well-documented in key texts on English porcelain:
Arthur Lane, English Porcelain Figures of the 18th Century (1961): Plates 22B and 23B illustrate the related prototype table-size models produced at Chelsea.
Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750-1848 (1990): Plates 249 and 298 illustrate the related Derby models derived from the Chelsea prototypes.
Dennis G. Rice, Derby Porcelain: The Golden Years 1750-1770 (1983): Features a smaller version of the figure on Page 130, #86.
3. Museum Comparisons
Similar examples of the "Africa" figure from this series are held in important public collections:
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge: A similar model is part of their set of Continents.
Winterthur Museum, Delaware: Holds an example of the series.
Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama: Holds a similar piece (Collection 2000.177.1).
Derby Porcelain Society: Similar examples are featured in their online exhibitions under The Nottingham Road section.
(Ref: NY10167-ipuu)
- Creator:Derby (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Diameter: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
- Style:Georgian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1765
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good with minor frits to a couple of the applied flowers on the base at the back. A leg of the scorpion missing- not apparant.
- Seller Location:Downingtown, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: NY10167-ipuu1stDibs: LU861031147622
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1916
1stDibs seller since 2009
438 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
The Art and Antique Dealers League of AmericaAntiques Associations Members
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Downingtown, PA
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllEnglish Staffordshire Pearlware Pottery Large Bacchus Jug
By Staffordshire
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Pearlware Pottery Large Bacchus Jug,
Staffordshire,
Circa 1800
The Pearlware pottery large jug depicts Bacchus sitting on a barrel holding a large cornucopia on his right sh...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Pottery
Materials
Pearlware, Pottery
Massive Staffordshire Pearlware Pottery Figure of Venus, Circa 1810
Located in Downingtown, PA
Regency Grandeur: Monumental 2-Foot Tall Staffordshire Figure of Venus
Circa 1810
An exceptionally rare and massive Staffordshire pearlware pottery figure of Venus (the Roman goddes...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pearlware, Pottery
Large Scale Staffordshire Pearlware Figure of Ceres or Plenty
Located in Downingtown, PA
Monumental Staffordshire Pearlware Figure: "Ceres" (Goddess of Plenty) on Marbled Plinth (c. 1815)
A magnificent, museum-quality Staffordshire pearlware figure of exceptional scale, standing over 20 inches tall. Modeled circa 1815, this figure depicts Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, often serving as the allegorical representation of "Plenty" or "Summer."
The figure is modeled with classical grace, wearing a striking canary-yellow toga draped over a lilac tunic patterned with delicate black floral sprigs. She holds her traditional attributes: in her right hand, a large cornucopia...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Pottery
Materials
Pearlware, Pottery
18th-Century English Pottery Hearty Good Fellow Toby Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"The Hearty Good Fellow": Rare Standing Pearlware Toby Jug
(Staffordshire, c. 1800)
A charismatic and vibrant English pearlware "Toby" jug, modeled in the scarce form known to collectors as the "Hearty Good Fellow." Dating to circa 1800, this piece represents a delightful departure from the standard seated Toby jug, depicting the figure in a standing, convivial pose.
The figure is modeled with a distinct sense of movement, his head turned slightly to the left. He is dressed in the height of Georgian tavern fashion: a deep cobalt blue jacket, a bright orange waistcoat, and vivid yellow breeches. Under his right arm, he supports a large white ale jug, while his left hand holds a pipe across his chest.
Reverse & Construction: The reverse reveals a robust rustic branch handle that extends downward into a molded tree-stump support. This integral support was a clever potter's device to stabilize the standing figure during firing. Both the handle and the rocky base are left in plain white pearlware—an unusual variation (as most examples feature green or brown painted bases)—which highlights the crispness of the molding.
Condition: Good antique condition. Typical minor flaking to the glaze on the rim of the tricorn hat...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
18th Century English Pottery Pearlware Lion
Lioness Figures- Ralph Wood Type
By Ralph Wood Pottery
Located in Downingtown, PA
Regal Guardians: Ralph Wood Type Pearlware Lions:
A True Pair: 18th Century Pearlware Lion and Lioness
This magnificent, true pair of pearlware pottery figures—a majestic lion and i...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pearlware, Pottery
English Pottery Whieldon Creamware Tortoise-Shell Seated Lion
By Thomas Whieldon Pottery
Located in Downingtown, PA
Majestic Beast: English Creamware Lion with Whieldon Glaze
This exceptional English Creamware Pottery Model of a Seated Lion, dating to circa 1765–85, is a fine example of the highl...
Category
Antique 1860s English Georgian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
You May Also Like
Meissen Porcelain Allegory of the Continent of Africa, Circa 1750
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meissen Porcelain Allegory of the Continent of Africa, Circa 1750
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Johann Joachim Kaendler, 1706–1775
Partial Blue Undergla...
Category
Antique 18th Century German Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$3,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Porcelain Figure, Meissen, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Meissen porcelain figure of a faun with her child. The child is sitting on a small chair while his mother is offering him to drink from a horn. Beautiful figure with passion for deta...
Category
Antique 1880s German Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$2,000 Sale Price
23% Off
Antique Old Paris Porcelain Figurine Figural Group Rococo Style 19th Century
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
A very rare tall antique 19th century Old Paris figurine Vieux Paris
Depicting a couple with sheeps and a goat
Very detailed with applied roses o...
Category
Antique 19th Century Rococo Revival Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Derby Porcelain Figure of Minerva, circa 1780
By Derby
Located in Basildon, GB
Derby Porcelain Figure of Minerva, circa 1780, standing in a pale yellow ground robe, on a pierced blue and gilt scroll base, 26cm high
Category
Antique 1780s English Rococo Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$1,343 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique French Samson Porcelain Figurine, Mid-Late 19th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique French Samson porcelain figurine, mid-late 19th century.
Overglaze.
In perfect condition.
Measures 18 cm. X 7 cm.
Four figures in the same series are on stock.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Baroque Porcelain
18th Century Derby Porcelain Figure Group of Pluto and Cerberus
By Derby
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Derby Porcelain Figure Group of Pluto and Cerberus, spotted red lined drape on gilt scroll base, circa 1770
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Rococo Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$1,343 Sale Price
30% Off
More Ways To Browse
Antique Porcelain Figure
Antique Derby Porcelain
Large Porcelain Figure
Derby Figure
Derby Porcelain Figure
Wood Sculpture Dancers
Antique French Putti Sculptures
Antique Hood Ornament
Antique Hood Ornaments
Art Deco Bronze Statue
Bronze Mother And Child
Bronze Sculpture Water
Bronze Statue On Marble Pedestal
Chinese Wood Statue
Crouching Figure
Demetre Chiparus Bronze
Francois Moreau
Hermes God













