A pair of Derby Leopards, circa 1765

Painted with enamels, on a flat bases with flowers. The leopard stands beside a stump facing left with his right paw raised. The leopardess stands beside a stump facing right with her left paw raised.

Height of leopard: 6.9 cm

Marks:  Patch marks to both.

Condition: Leopard has right fore leg professionally restored.  Some minor chips to flowers on both bases and chip to base of leopardess and small crack to tail close to where it joins the body.

Note:  Figures of leopards are known in Derby porcelain into the 19^th century, but these early figures are uncommon. There is a similar pair in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession Number C.1382-1924

£750