In The 18th and 19th century every house had a fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These would be decorated with all manner of things from clocks, candlesticks, photograph frames and pottery and brass ornaments.
 
Parian ware is a type of porcelain immitating marble. It was developed in 1845 by Staffordshire pottery manufactureres, Mintons.  It is named after Paros, a greek island famed for its use of fine-textured Parian marble.  These busts would have had pride of place on the mantlepiece or shelves of a wealthier household.
 
Fine detailed parian figure a classical lady. With hand colouring to the face and hair and decorative embellishments to the dress.
 
In good condition, a couple of small bead embellishments have been lost over the years.
 
Dimensions: 30cm high x 10cm diameter