A rather magnificent little gentleman, dressed from head to paw in one of England’s most celebrated porcelain patterns.
 
Made in England by Royal Crown Derby, this handsome bulldog dates to 2006 and is crafted from fine bone china in the iconic Old Imari pattern. Rich cobalt blue and iron-red are layered with intricate 22-carat gold gilding, giving him all the opulence his wonderfully proud little stance deserves.
 
Look closely, and the decoration becomes even more extraordinary. Elaborate patterns travel across his face, body and back, with brilliant gilded details catching the light against the deep jewel-like colours.
 
Beneath all that intricate porcelain and gilding, this handsome fellow is also a beautifully made paperweight. At 173 grams, he has a satisfying weight in the hand, bringing a little grandeur to even the most practical of objects.
 
His backstamp bears the Royal Crown Derby crest alongside the Roman numerals MMVI, dating his production to 2006.
 
A Little Old Imari Magic
 
The Old Imari pattern has its roots in the great European fascination with Japanese Imari porcelain. Its lavish combinations of cobalt, iron-red and gold became synonymous with luxury, eventually inspiring some of the most recognisable designs in English porcelain.
 
Royal Crown Derby embraced this richly decorative style and made it unmistakably their own. On this little bulldog, the effect is particularly wonderful. His sturdy, characterful form becomes a canvas for all that intricate colour and gilding, transforming him into a miniature work of decorative art.
 
Turn him over, and another special detail is waiting underneath. His original gold-plated stopper remains securely in place, identifying him as a First Quality Royal Crown Derby piece.
 
Why it’s so special
 
There is something wonderfully extravagant about taking a stout little English bulldog and dressing him in cobalt blue, iron-red and 22-carat gold.
 
For collectors, the combination of the Old Imari pattern, and original gold-plated stopper makes him particularly special. For everyone else, he is simply an exceptionally handsome little fellow.
 
Condition and Character
 
This Royal Crown Derby bulldog is in excellent condition.
The fine bone china is beautifully preserved, and the intricate 22-carat gold gilding remains remarkably crisp, with no noticeable wear or rubbing.
His original gold-plated stopper remains intact and securely fitted to the base.
 
🧚‍♀️ A Little Note from the Antique Fairy 
As with all vintage darlings, these pieces have lived a life or two and may have tiny surface scratches here or there as part of their story. I do my very best to capture any little whispers of wear in photos and notes. I also try to photograph each treasure in different light so you can see the colour as clearly as possible. Even so, tones may vary a little from screen to screen.
If you have any questions or just want to chat about this treasure, feel free to reach out 😊