{"product_id":"attributed-to-bloor-derby-pastoral-shepherd-boy-bocage-figure-polychrome-porcelain-c-1820-1840","title":"Attributed to Bloor Derby | Pastoral Shepherd Boy | Bocage Figure | Polychrome Porcelain | c.1820–1840","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributed to Bloor Derby | Pastoral Shepherd Boy | Bocage Figure | Polychrome Porcelain | c.1820–1840\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA bocage figure carries its own small landscape with it — the stump, the leaves, the scattered flowers at the feet — because the Derby modellers understood that a figure standing in nothing stands for nothing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Derby porcelain tradition, established in the mid-18th century, matured into one of England’s most recognisable ceramic voices, and under the ownership of Robert Bloor (1811–1848) it continued with a distinctive confidence of colour and form. Figures from the Bloor period are often characterised by bold polychrome enamels, expressive modelling, and the enduring popularity of pastoral subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis figure, attributed to the Bloor Derby period (c.1820–1840), represents a shepherd boy in the traditional bocage format — standing before a tree stump with applied foliage and floral decoration. The attribution rests on stylistic and constructional features: the saturated enamel palette, the form of the bocage support, and the decorative treatment typical of Derby production of the period. The original factory mark has worn from the base, but a hand-painted numeral — likely a painter’s or pattern number — remains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shepherd boy is depicted standing in relaxed contrapposto, leaning lightly against the bocage support. He wears a pink coat over a floral waistcoat with a yellow frilled collar, white breeches with fine red line detailing, and black boots with yellow accents. A wide-brimmed yellow hat sits low on his head. Two straps cross his back, suspending a small amber-toned flask and a cobalt blue pouch — details that add both narrative and visual balance. In his raised right hand, he holds a delicate garland of flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rounded base is decorated with turquoise bocage foliage and scattered polychrome flowers, finished with a gilt line to the rim. The palette remains vibrant and well-preserved, with strong colour saturation across the figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition reflects the known vulnerability of bocage figures. There are extensive losses to the applied foliage and flowers, with visible break points on the tree stump and surrounding areas. The rear brim of the hat carries a chip, and the left hand shows restoration. The main figure — including face, body, and clothing — remains intact, and the piece displays well from the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaker: Attributed to Bloor Derby\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Pastoral shepherd boy with bocage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Porcelain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod: c.1820–1840\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 17 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 281 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark: Worn; hand-painted numeral to base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Fair to good — extensive bocage losses; chip to hat; restoration to left hand; structurally sound with strong colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly 19th-century Derby figures remain a cornerstone of English porcelain collecting, and bocage examples — even with condition issues — continue to hold decorative and historical value. This piece offers an accessible entry into the Bloor Derby period, where colour, subject, and form still speak clearly despite the expected fragility of the applied work. It is particularly suited to collectors who prioritise presence and period authenticity over pristine condition, as well as decorators seeking a genuine early English porcelain figure with visual warmth and narrative charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA bocage figure survives its leaves more easily than its leaves survive it — which is perhaps why the figure always outlasts the garden it was given to stand in.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Dancing Faun ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45041430528200,"sku":null,"price":1650.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/3497\/2104\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_095a6e9f-fbdc-409c-90fc-b2df8369662f.png?v=1775847728","url":"https:\/\/dancingfaun.co.za\/products\/attributed-to-bloor-derby-pastoral-shepherd-boy-bocage-figure-polychrome-porcelain-c-1820-1840","provider":"The Dancing Faun ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}