Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a fine English bone china paperweight depicting a stylized reclining horse, ornately adorned in an Imari-inspired ceremonial saddle and harness with heavy 22-karat gold gilding. The base clearly bears the backstamp of Royal Crown Derby along with the Roman numeral date cipher 'LVII', firmly dating its manufacture to 1994.
Story
In 1981, Royal Crown Derby introduced hollow bone china paperweights weighted with sand, which instantly became global collector favorites. This 1994 piece draws on centuries-old Persian and Far Eastern equestrian motifs.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1750, Royal Crown Derby is one of the oldest surviving English porcelain manufacturers, famously granted a royal warrant by Queen Victoria in 1890. Renowned for their mastery of vibrant 'Imari' patterns blending cobalt blue, iron red, and burnished 22k gold, the factory remains an icon of luxury British ceramic heritage.
Condition & Value
Appears to be in very good aesthetic condition with intact gilding and no visible chips or cracks. Note that the underside hole appears open and lacks the original gold/ceramic stopper, which slightly tempers secondary collector value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.