Figure of Grecian Water-Carrier
Country
England
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Object detail
Description
Figure of a woman, with waved hair, necklace, sheer dress draped over one shoulder accentuating breast and navel, hem of dress adorned with floral border. She carries a Greek-style urn on her head, holding it steady with her raised right arm, and carries a small amphora in left hand. Full figurine is off white in colour with gilt details. Grecian in style. Paired with H11639 (a companion set).
Classification
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT Containers vase
Maker
Production place
Measurements
H500 x W138 x D130 mm
Media/Materials description
Porcelain
History and use
This figure of a Grecian water-carrier is part of the Ben Ronalds collection of fine ceramics and glassware. The figure is one of a pair. Each is Grecian in style and possesses elements of Classical Greek and Hellenistic art and sculpture in the design, demonstrating a lasting influence of ancient art, even in modern ceramic production.
Over his lifetime, Ronalds acquired a world-class collection of Royal Worcester and comparative pieces from other ceramics and glassware manufacturers.
Benjamin Charles Ronalds (born 1892, died 1970) migrated to Australia in 1911 from England, having served an apprenticeship in the glass trade. In Brisbane, he worked with Oxlades glaziers before opening the Decorative Glass Company in West End from 1924, and his success supported his passion, formed in 1946, to collect Royal Worcester porcelain. Over the next almost 25 years he built up a remarkable collection of that factory’s products. As well as collecting locally, he made several trips overseas, and many interstate to Melbourne and Adelaide.
His collection of over 800 pieces was donated to the Queensland Museum in 1976.
Over his lifetime, Ronalds acquired a world-class collection of Royal Worcester and comparative pieces from other ceramics and glassware manufacturers.
Benjamin Charles Ronalds (born 1892, died 1970) migrated to Australia in 1911 from England, having served an apprenticeship in the glass trade. In Brisbane, he worked with Oxlades glaziers before opening the Decorative Glass Company in West End from 1924, and his success supported his passion, formed in 1946, to collect Royal Worcester porcelain. Over the next almost 25 years he built up a remarkable collection of that factory’s products. As well as collecting locally, he made several trips overseas, and many interstate to Melbourne and Adelaide.
His collection of over 800 pieces was donated to the Queensland Museum in 1976.
Associated person
Registration number
H11638