{"product_id":"royal-doulton-bunnykins-cereal-bowl-earthenware-england-c-1959-1975","title":"Royal Doulton | Bunnykins | Cereal Bowl | Earthenware | England, c.1959–1975","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Doulton | Bunnykins | Cereal Bowl | Earthenware | England, c.1959–1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis bowl predates the bone china era by more than a decade, making it the older—and arguably more honest—version of the story.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBunnykins tableware was introduced by Royal Doulton in 1934, with the original scenes drawn by Sister Mary Barbara Vernon, a Dominican nun whose domestic rabbit world — families at home, in gardens, at markets and at play — gave the range its warmth and narrative continuity. Walter Hayward took over the illustration work from the mid-1950s, continuing in the established spirit of the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cereal bowl dates to the earthenware period of production, identifiable by its cream body and the three-bunny Royal Doulton backstamp with the registered trademark symbol, but without the \"English Fine Bone China\" text introduced when bone china replaced earthenware in the late 1960s. It represents an earlier chapter in the long history of the Bunnykins range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bowl is of the standard deep cereal form with curved sides and a slightly flared rim. The central well carries a domestic interior scene: a grandfather rabbit in spectacles, a yellow waistcoat, and checked trousers sits in a large green armchair, one arm raised as he holds court, with several young rabbits gathered around him on the floor. A mother rabbit in a blue spotted dress stands to one side, a small mouse perches on the armchair back, and a second mouse sits at a low side table. Toys are scattered across the foreground — a small rubber duck, a wooden pull-along horse, and a cushion with a rag doll. The inner rim carries the leaping hare border with green-dash ground strokes, identical in composition to later bone china examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is surface wear to the central motif consistent with use, visible as light scuffing to the printed decoration in the central well. There are no chips, cracks, or crazing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaker: Royal Doulton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePattern: Bunnykins — Grandfather's Armchair \/ Family Interior scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: Cereal bowl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Earthenware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackstamp: \"Bunnykins\" ® \/ Regd. Trade Mark \/ Royal Doulton England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod: c.1959–1975\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiameter: 15 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 4.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 210 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Good; surface wear to central motif consistent with use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bowl is a charming example of mid-20th-century Bunnykins earthenware, prized for its storytelling and nostalgic domestic scenes. Early earthenware pieces like this are increasingly sought after by collectors for their authenticity, vibrant illustrations, and connection to Royal Doulton’s heritage. The “Grandfather's Armchair” motif, with its intricate detail and playful composition, is a highlight for enthusiasts of Bunnykins tableware. Perfect for display, tabletop use, or as a thoughtful addition to a vintage Bunnykins collection, it bridges the gap between childhood memories and collector appreciation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe wear on this bowl is not damage—it is evidence that it was used exactly as intended, by a child who did not know it would one day be considered vintage.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Dancing Faun ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45033939632328,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/3497\/2104\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_84b67166-32b2-47dc-898b-0b2103585eb3.png?v=1775849301","url":"https:\/\/dancingfaun.co.za\/products\/royal-doulton-bunnykins-cereal-bowl-earthenware-england-c-1959-1975","provider":"The Dancing Faun ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}