Bohemian Porcelain Figures — Water Carrier Pair, Elbogen circa 1880s

Two barefoot figures frozen mid-step, each balancing a gilded jug aloft with effortless grace — this matched pair of Bohemian porcelain water carriers brings the charm and colour of late 19th century European figurative ceramics to any interior.

OBJECT DETAILS

An ideal pair for collectors of antique European porcelain, interior designers seeking decorative figurative objects with period character, or film and TV prop buyers requiring late Victorian or Edwardian domestic set dressing.

A matched pair of hand-painted porcelain figures depicting a young girl and boy, each carrying a blue and gilt jug balanced overhead. Both figures are dressed in rustic pastoral costume — pink and blue garments with delicately painted floral motifs to the hem — and stand barefoot on naturalistic rocky bases. The painting is characteristic of Bohemian decorative porcelain production of the 1880s–1900s: warm flesh tones, rosy cheeks, gilt detailing to necklace and jug handles. Bear impressed and painted marks to the base consistent with the Elbogen (Loket) region of Bohemia, with impressed mould number 8044, painted decorator's number 60, and impressed factory mark to base. Minor production imperfections — surface lines from casting seams and slight glaze irregularities — are inherent characteristics of hand-finished porcelain of this period and not defects.

• Object type: Decorative porcelain figurines, matched pair
• Material: Hand-painted porcelain with gilt detailing
• Style: Victorian, Bohemian figurative
• Era: circa 1880s–1900s
• Origin: Elbogen (Loket), Bohemia (now Czech Republic)
• Maker: Attributed to Elbogen factory — impressed mould number 8044, painted decorator's number 60, and impressed factory mark to base
• Key features: Matching pastoral water carrier subjects, hand-painted floral costume decoration, gilt jug handles and necklace, naturalistic rocky bases

DIMENSIONS H approx. 20cm each (H approx. 7.9")

CONDITION In very good antique condition, consistent with age. No chips, no cracks, no repairs, no restoration. Minor casting seam lines and glaze irregularities are inherent production characteristics of hand-finished Bohemian porcelain of this period and do not impact the visual integrity or charm of the pieces. Both figures retain original gilding. Photographs form part of this description. Please review all images carefully as they document the pieces' condition in full detail.

CURATOR'S NOTE Selected as a pair because their symmetry is the point — girl and boy, mirror poses, matching costume. Individually they are charming; together they have the presence of a proper Victorian mantelpiece arrangement. The kind of pieces that stop people mid-conversation.

FAQ

What is the condition? Very good antique condition. No chips, no cracks, no repairs. Minor casting lines and glaze irregularities are natural production characteristics of hand-finished Bohemian porcelain of this period. Original gilding intact on both figures. Photographs form part of this description.

What are the dimensions? H approx. 20cm each (H approx. 7.9"). Sold as a matched pair.

Where do these pieces come from? Elbogen (Loket), Bohemia, circa 1880s–1900s. Impressed mould number 8044, painted decorator's number 60, and impressed factory mark to base, consistent with Elbogen porcelain production of this period.

Do you ship internationally? Yes — Fontaine London ships worldwide. DDP pricing — no surprise duties or taxes on delivery. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Is this suitable for film or TV prop use? Yes — period-accurate for late Victorian and Edwardian domestic interiors. Available for prop hire enquiries, please contact us directly.

What is your returns policy? 14-day returns for items not matching their description. Please review all photographs and condition report carefully before purchasing.