Object of the Day, Museum Edition: The Bow Porcelain Sheep, 1765

Sheep
Bow Porcelain Factory
England, 1765
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Made at England’s Bow Porcelain Factory, this figure of soft-paste porcelain sates to about 1765. This little sheep is painted with enamel colors. He’s shown standing beside a stump which is adorned with large leaves and flowers with yellow centers and white petals. As sheep tend to do, he is eating the grass and plants around him. This is a great example of the sort of figure which was popular during the Rococo movement. Even the base is Rococo with its six, low feet which have been picked out in green and purple. 

Figure of the Day: The Bow Porcelain Sheep, 1765

Sheep
Bow Porcelain Factory
England, 1765
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Made at England’s Bow Porcelain Factory, this figure of soft-paste porcelain sates to about 1765. This little sheep is painted with enamel colors. He’s shown standing beside a stump which is adorned with large leaves and flowers with yellow centers and white petals. As sheep tend to do, he is eating the grass and plants around him. This is a great example of the sort of figure which was popular during the Rococo movement. Even the base is Rococo with its six, low feet which have been picked out in green and purple. 

Mastery of Design: The Dresden Quartz Lamb, 1750

Click Image for detail.
Box of quartz, diamonds, rubies, gold and silver
Dresden, Germany
circa 1750
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This amethystine quartz box with gold mounts, brilliant-cut diamonds set in silver and rubies set in gold is one of two jeweled, sculptural sheep on exhibit at the V&A. This one was made in Dresden, Germany, circa 1750.

An object of such valuable materials was made more so for display than it was daily use, but it could have once housed some prized or precious items. Clearly, the box has avoided constant handling as it is in excellent condition. Today, the maker of the piece is unknown, but the exquisite workmanship of the object is a lasting testament to the artist’s immense skill. 

Figure of the Day: The Bow Porcelain Sheep, 1765

Sheep
Bow Porcelain Factory
England, 1765
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Made at England’s Bow Porcelain Factory, this figure of soft-paste porcelain sates to about 1765. This little sheep is painted with enamel colors. He’s shown standing beside a stump which is adorned with large leaves and flowers with yellow centers and white petals. As sheep tend to do, he is eating the grass and plants around him. This is a great example of the sort of figure which was popular during the Rococo movement. Even the base is Rococo with its six, low feet which have been picked out in green and purple.