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 leg professionally restored.  Some minor chips to flowers on both bases and chip to base of leopardess.

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

£750