Top right: This raised anchor (c.1749-52) Chelsea model of a partridge, 6in (15.5cm) high, was contested to £13,500 by two telephone bidders at Bonhams on June 10. It is likely to be the same white example from the Dixon collection sold by Sotheby’s on May 27, 1952, which was described as unique.
Middle right: Bonhams’ sale also included this 33/4in (9cm) raised triangle period Chelsea milk jug of moulded acanthus shape bearing a rare crown and trident mark. It too sold over the telephone against competition from another phone and the British dealer Robyn Robb, making £12,500.
Below right: Amongst the best sellers in the 18th century English porcelain section of Christie’s South Kensington’sJune 12 ceramics sale was a small group of early white Bow figures, modestly estimated to account for their less than perfect condition. They included this 43/4in (12cm) long model of a recumbent sphinx of c.1750 with broken and restored neck and slight chipping, which fetched £3200.
White delights!
There was plenty of evidence of buyers’ appreciation of the sculptural qualities of white-glazed porcelain figures from both English and Continental factories. Early, 1750s English examples are particularly sought after and the June sales offered examples from Chelsea and Bow, while on the Continental front Christie’s had an entire collection of white biscuit and porcelain pieces to sell as part of their single-owner Boulle to Jansen sale.Some of the most expensive are shown here.
