Minton Parian tall male figure "Grape Harvester" with baskets
Minton Parian Figure of a Grape Harvester Carrying Baskets, Dated 1861
A fine and substantial Minton Parian ware figure, dated 1861, depicting a young grape harvester carrying baskets. Modelled in the round, the figure strides forward holding a woven basket in his hands, while a second large basket is strapped to his back. His casual shirt, trousers, and boots are realistically sculpted, and he leans against a support formed of trailing grape vines, reinforcing the agricultural theme.
The baskets are carefully detailed with impressed woven texture. The piece is entirely glazed in a creamy white, highlighting the crisp modelling and enhancing the classical effect intended by the use of Parian ware. The underside is impressed with the Minton mark and date code for 1861.
This figure would originally have been designed for display as a table centrepiece, perhaps as part of a dessert service or as a standalone decorative figure, reflecting the Victorian taste for allegorical and pastoral themes in fine ceramic art.
Historical Background
Minton was one of the leading English porcelain and earthenware manufacturers of the 19th century, producing some of the finest Parian ware figures. Introduced in the 1840s, Parian ware was designed to mimic the look of carved marble, offering an elegant and affordable alternative to stone sculptures. Minton's Parian works are particularly prized for their purity of material and the sharpness of their modelling.
Measurements
Height: 36 cm / 14.17″
Width: 18 cm / 7.09″
Depth: 25 cm / 9.84″
Weight: 2825 g
Condition
A handsome display piece with fine detail and strong visual presence. The figure shows some expected antique wear: there are visible firing cracks and hairline fractures around the base and up through the figure’s legs, typical for large Parian figures of this period. The tip of the right thumb is absent, though this is discreet and does not detract from the overall impact. Some staining is visible inside the baskets and along some of the cracks. Despite these age-related flaws, the modelling remains sharp and the figure retains excellent decorative appeal.
Minton Parian Figure of a Grape Harvester Carrying Baskets, Dated 1861
A fine and substantial Minton Parian ware figure, dated 1861, depicting a young grape harvester carrying baskets. Modelled in the round, the figure strides forward holding a woven basket in his hands, while a second large basket is strapped to his back. His casual shirt, trousers, and boots are realistically sculpted, and he leans against a support formed of trailing grape vines, reinforcing the agricultural theme.
The baskets are carefully detailed with impressed woven texture. The piece is entirely glazed in a creamy white, highlighting the crisp modelling and enhancing the classical effect intended by the use of Parian ware. The underside is impressed with the Minton mark and date code for 1861.
This figure would originally have been designed for display as a table centrepiece, perhaps as part of a dessert service or as a standalone decorative figure, reflecting the Victorian taste for allegorical and pastoral themes in fine ceramic art.
Historical Background
Minton was one of the leading English porcelain and earthenware manufacturers of the 19th century, producing some of the finest Parian ware figures. Introduced in the 1840s, Parian ware was designed to mimic the look of carved marble, offering an elegant and affordable alternative to stone sculptures. Minton's Parian works are particularly prized for their purity of material and the sharpness of their modelling.
Measurements
Height: 36 cm / 14.17″
Width: 18 cm / 7.09″
Depth: 25 cm / 9.84″
Weight: 2825 g
Condition
A handsome display piece with fine detail and strong visual presence. The figure shows some expected antique wear: there are visible firing cracks and hairline fractures around the base and up through the figure’s legs, typical for large Parian figures of this period. The tip of the right thumb is absent, though this is discreet and does not detract from the overall impact. Some staining is visible inside the baskets and along some of the cracks. Despite these age-related flaws, the modelling remains sharp and the figure retains excellent decorative appeal.
Minton Parian Figure of a Grape Harvester Carrying Baskets, Dated 1861
A fine and substantial Minton Parian ware figure, dated 1861, depicting a young grape harvester carrying baskets. Modelled in the round, the figure strides forward holding a woven basket in his hands, while a second large basket is strapped to his back. His casual shirt, trousers, and boots are realistically sculpted, and he leans against a support formed of trailing grape vines, reinforcing the agricultural theme.
The baskets are carefully detailed with impressed woven texture. The piece is entirely glazed in a creamy white, highlighting the crisp modelling and enhancing the classical effect intended by the use of Parian ware. The underside is impressed with the Minton mark and date code for 1861.
This figure would originally have been designed for display as a table centrepiece, perhaps as part of a dessert service or as a standalone decorative figure, reflecting the Victorian taste for allegorical and pastoral themes in fine ceramic art.
Historical Background
Minton was one of the leading English porcelain and earthenware manufacturers of the 19th century, producing some of the finest Parian ware figures. Introduced in the 1840s, Parian ware was designed to mimic the look of carved marble, offering an elegant and affordable alternative to stone sculptures. Minton's Parian works are particularly prized for their purity of material and the sharpness of their modelling.
Measurements
Height: 36 cm / 14.17″
Width: 18 cm / 7.09″
Depth: 25 cm / 9.84″
Weight: 2825 g
Condition
A handsome display piece with fine detail and strong visual presence. The figure shows some expected antique wear: there are visible firing cracks and hairline fractures around the base and up through the figure’s legs, typical for large Parian figures of this period. The tip of the right thumb is absent, though this is discreet and does not detract from the overall impact. Some staining is visible inside the baskets and along some of the cracks. Despite these age-related flaws, the modelling remains sharp and the figure retains excellent decorative appeal.
