Royal Worcester Antique Pair of Greek Porcelain Figurines - James Hadley - Late 19th Century / Early 20th Century

Royal Worcester antique (1897-1911) pair of Greek porcelain figurines playing lute and castanets modelled by James Hadley. These sublime figures capture the ethereal grace of Greek musical performers with extraordinary delicacy and precision. Dressed in flowing golden-hued robes that seem to undulate with musical rhythm, they showcase Hadley's remarkable skill in rendering fabric's complex drape and movement. Each rests on a circular base with the Royal Worcester mark and model numbers 1827/8 on the bottom. 32-33cm high x 10.3cm base, weight 1.65kg (pair). James Hadley (1837-1903) was an English potter and artist associated with the Royal Worcester Porcelain Company In 1875, he left the company and set up his own modelling studio in Worcester High Street, but although no longer directly employed by Royal Worcester he sold almost his complete output of models for ornamental vases and figures to them. He has been described by English porcelain expert John Sandon as "probably the finest English modeller of all time".