Rare antique Conta & Boehme fairing table salt with a little boy, dating to 1800s, serial number 5823

Fairing is the name given to pieces of inexpensive china that could be won or bought at Victorian country fairs. The fairs of Victorian England were major events where entire communities would take a day out, the fairs evolved over time to become the fun-fairs we know today.

The china ornaments known as fairings had their heyday in the mid to late 1800s. The most significant maker between 1880 and 1900 was Conta & Boehme of Possneck, Saxony in Germany. Their fairings are made of solid soft white porcelain and are generally of a much higher quality than those produced by other manufacturers. This example is listed in Vogels Conta & Boehme book on page 151, it is part of their Mr Top Hat series.

This delightful fairing is a figure of a boy sitting on a log, that has a cylindrical shape that has an integral rest, it has a green glazed body that has remnants of gilt accents. The barrel has a garland of white porcelain flowers. Within the mouth of the scuttle is a small receptacle to hold a salt spoon. There is a charming boy on the log has yellow painted hair, his face is flushed with excitement.

The piece has some very minor damage to the tips of the petals see photo

The fairing otherwise is in good antique condition

A rare and highly collectable piece.

Selling other fairings