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An important Derby 'dry edge' figure group, circa 1752-55 image 1
An important Derby 'dry edge' figure group, circa 1752-55 image 2
Lot 325

An important Derby 'dry edge' figure group, circa 1752-55

18 May 2016, 10:30 BST
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £134,500 inc. premium

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An important Derby 'dry edge' figure group, circa 1752-55

Emblematic of 'Feeling' from the set of the 'Five Chinoiserie Senses', probably modelled by Agostino Carlini, a bearded Chinaman wearing a heavy cloak and a broad-brimmed hat, his right arm raised in admonishment, his left hand grasping the arm of the small boy at his side, 23cm high (some restoration)

Footnotes

The figural groups known as the 'Five Chinoiserie Senses' are the most accomplished of a small group of early 'dry edge' figures which appear to be by the same modeller, their sculptural quality placing them amongst the finest pieces of 18th century British ceramic art.

Traditionally attributed to Andrew Planché, the group has recently been reassessed by John Mallet who makes a convincing case for Agostino Carlini as the modeller. See J.V.G. Mallet, Agostino Carlini, Modeller of 'Dry-Edge' Derby Figures?, British Ceramic Design 1600-2002, English Ceramic Circle 2003, p.42. Another group of 'Feeling' is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Museum No 414 140-1885) and is illustrated by Dennis Rice, Derby Porcelain (1983), p.73. Coloured versions of 'Taste', 'Hearing' and 'Smell' are shown on pages 74-76. White versions of 'Sight' and 'Smell' are illustrated by Barrett and Thorpe, Derby Porcelain (1971), pls.16 and 17. Examples from the series are only rarely found and no complete set appears to be illustrated in the literature. White groups of 'Smell' and 'Hearing' were sold by Sotheby's in London on 27 October 2015 and a fine 'dry edge' group of a flautist and lady by Bonhams on 8 December 2005, lot 274.

Additional information

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