Royal Doulton | Paisley Shawl | HN 1988 | Bone China Figurine | England, introduced 1946

The paisley pattern has travelled the world for over three centuries — from Kashmir to Paisley, Scotland, and finally onto a Royal Doulton figurine standing quietly on a shelf, still going nowhere in particular.

Paisley Shawl is one of the longer-lived subjects in the Royal Doulton HN range. First introduced in 1932 under an earlier HN number, the model was later reissued in several colourways. HN 1988, produced from 1946, represents the most widely collected red and cream version. The copyright date of 1930 on the backstamp reflects the original design registration.

The figure depicts a late Georgian / Regency-style lady of fashion, a subject long favoured by Royal Doulton’s designers for the opportunities it provided: elaborate dress, rich textile surfaces, and the kind of composed feminine poise that translates beautifully into three dimensions.

She stands upright, facing slightly forward and to one side, her weight settled and her bearing unhurried. She wears a full-skirted cream gown falling in smooth, broad folds to the base. Draped over her shoulders is a large paisley shawl in deep crimson and burgundy, rendered with dense, richly textured interlocking foliate forms picked out in amber and gold against the dark ground — a technically demanding decorative feature that commands the eye. The shawl wraps across the bodice and cascades heavily down one side. Beneath, the cream bodice is softly gathered at the front.

In one hand, she holds a closed parasol in pale blue and white, its pointed tip resting at the base of the skirt. Her wide-brimmed hat, in a warm salmon-coral tone, is trimmed with a large blue bow and a blue-and-black cockade detail at the crown. The hat ribbon ties neatly beneath the chin in a blue bow. Her face is finely modelled, with dark eyes and a composed, slightly smiling expression.

There are no chips, cracks, or repairs. The glaze is intact throughout, and the colours are strong and well-preserved. Condition is excellent.

Key Details:

• Maker: Royal Doulton
• Title: Paisley Shawl
• HN Number: HN 1988
• Copyright: 1930
• Introduced: 1946
• Material: Bone china
• Origin: England
• Height: 16 cm
• Weight: 225 g
• Backstamp: Royal Doulton Bone China, Doulton & Co Limited
• Condition: Excellent — no chips, cracks, or repairs

A shawl this carefully painted was never meant to keep anyone warm — it was meant to show that warmth was not the point.