Chamberlain Worcester Centerpiece

This is a rare Chamberlain Worcester centerpiece with figure of Apollo, circa 1795. This unusual and unique sweetmeat stand is noted in the Chamberlain stock list of 1795 as a “Four Shell Pickle Stand.” The figure of Apollo is taken directly from one made around 1770 by Ralph Wood of Burslem, so the assumption is that Chamberlain bought the molds and reused them, or else made new molds himself. Geoffrey Godden confidently attributes this piece to Chamberlain and illustrates it in his book on Chamberlain porcelains (photo 32). Apollo wears a green laurel wreath and plays his traditional lyre. He stands atop a set of four shells which would have held candied fruit, nuts or sweets on a banquet table. The base is encrusted with a variety of three-dimensional shells, tufts of moss and corals in many colors. It stands about nine inches tall. The back shell has been repaired and repainted, but the paint is loosening, and one other shell has two underside chips. Otherwise it is in excellent condition with only slight glaze wear. This is a piece owned by a good friend of mine. Please email me for more information or other pictures.