Antique Porcelain Figure — Pierrot / Harlequin Child with Frog

Continental Europe | Late 19th – early 20th century

A charming antique porcelain figure depicting a Pierrot or Harlequin-style child, dressed in theatrical costume with hand-painted floral decoration and expressive face paint.

The figure stands beside a small green frog at the feet — a whimsical detail commonly seen in late 19th and early 20th century continental porcelain, particularly in decorative figures made for the European export market.

Finely modelled with soft pastel colouring, painted facial detail, and a lively stance, this piece sits firmly within the Victorian–Edwardian transition period, when theatrical and commedia dell’arte characters were especially popular in domestic interiors.

📐 Details

• Origin: Continental Europe

• Date: c.1890–1910

• Material: Glazed porcelain

• Height: approx. 10 cm

• Decoration: Hand-painted enamels

• Markings: Incised numbers and blue painted mark to base (see photos)

• Condition:

  • Very good antique condition

  • Minor age-related wear to base

  • No chips or cracks observed

🏛 Curatorial Note

Figures of Pierrot and Harlequin derive from commedia dell’arte, a theatrical tradition that remained immensely fashionable across Europe well into the late 1800s.

Smaller figures such as this were often displayed on mantelpieces, étagères, or within curio cabinets — intended as decorative storytelling objects rather than toys.

The inclusion of the frog adds humour and symbolism, reinforcing the playful narrative quality prized in late Victorian ceramics.

📦 Shipping

Professionally packed and shipped Australia-wide.
Local pickup available from Northam Secondhand, WA.