A flat backed, hollow sculptural rendition of a Jewish peddler, wearing a top hat and colorful apron, with a walking stick in his left hand, unfurling a garment with his right hand. The base ornamented with gilt classical decoration. H: 128mm.

During the 18th century, a large number of Jewish peddlers moved from Holland to England, and served as the inspiration for this colorful, finely molded figurine. In fact, this was the first figurative porcelain object producted by Minton (and is listed as No. 1 in their pattern book.) A very similar example was sold by Sotheby’s in Tel Aviv, April, 1996, Lot 220. The figure differs slightly in its painting and gilt base decoration. Another example is in the collection of the London Jewish Museum. The early Minton figurines are “small and very narrow, moulded with flat or recessed backs... They are unmarked... decorated with enamelled colours and gilt.” See Godden, G., Minton Pottery and Porcelain of the First Period, London, No. 128. See also Barnett, No. 693, {Pl. CLXXVIII; E.J., XIII, col. 208 (illustrated).