Crown Derby Figure of a Monk & Mule 'Persuasion' c.1880

A rare porcelain figure group of a monk and a mule in the form of a sweetmeat or posy vase, produced at the Crown Derby factory around 1880 and entitled 'Persuasion'. This model, hand-painted in bright enamel colours, forms part of a group of more 'modern' pieces produced by Derby around this time representing Tribulation, Supplication, Resignation and Adoration along with two more amusing illustrations of 'Force' and, in this case 'Persuasion'. The base bears the Crown Derby mark and a Design Registration mark for the year 1879, both in underglaze blue.