Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
These are two delightful English fine bone china nursery bowls from Royal Doulton's legendary Bunnykins series. One bowl features a charming scene of rabbits playing on a see-saw, while the other depicts a festive family gathering flying kites in a meadow, both framed by the signature running rabbit border. The valuation reflects the combined fair market value for the pair of bowls.
Story
Introduced in 1934, the Bunnykins line was originally illustrated by Sister Mary Barbara Bailey, the daughter of Royal Doulton's general manager. It became one of the most successful nurseryware lines in British history. The 'Flying Kites' and 'See-Saw' scenes are classic mid-century motifs, framed by the iconic running rabbit border. Royal Doulton Bunnykins is a staple of the secondary ceramics market.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Value in this category is highly dependent on the absence of chips, cracks, or crazing. Furthermore, fading or utensil wear to the central decals significantly reduces collector interest. The current estimate assumes the bowls are in very good to excellent vintage condition with intact graphics.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Royal Doulton Bunnykins is a staple of the secondary ceramics market. Because supply is relatively high, buyers are selective and prioritize pieces in excellent condition or those with older, rarer backstamps. Common scenes from the mid-to-late 20th century trade steadily as nostalgic replacement pieces or baby gifts, moving best on platforms like Etsy or eBay.
▲ Exact pattern matches ('Flying Kites' and 'See-Saw') confirm these as classic, highly recognizable Bunnykins scenes.
▲ Fine bone china construction by Royal Doulton carries strong, enduring brand recognition.
▲ Bundling two complementary pieces increases overall listing appeal and shipping efficiency.
▼ Unverified base stamps — post-1967 mass-produced marks carry less premium than earlier production runs.
▼ Hidden utensil wear — any scratches to the central decal would drop the pieces into the lower $10-$15/each tier.
▼ High market saturation — abundant supply means buyers can afford to wait for perfect condition pieces.
Best Venue
List the bowls as a bundled pair on a broad secondary marketplace like Etsy or eBay to maximize shipping efficiency and appeal to buyers looking for sets. A combined listing price of $40-$45 leaves room for offers. Ensure clear, well-lit photos of the central scenes and the base backstamps are included in the listing.
Upside Potential
If the base marks reveal an early production date (pre-1954) featuring the facsimile signature of 'Barbara Vernon', the value of the pair could shift into the $60-$80 tier among dedicated collectors.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.