Wearing a mob-cap, long jacket and long skirt and a shawl over her shoulders, she is holding a basket of grapes and standing on a squared base. Decorated with a restrained touch, showing off the quality of the porcelain that is distinctive of the earliest red-anchor Chelsea.

Described by Arthur Lane as ‘admirable’ models, this is one of a series of four figures of beggars which are amongst Willems’ finest original creations. They include this figure, the ‘Italian Beggar’ and ‘The Blind Beggar’ and a younger beggar.

Condition:
Some grapes, vine leaves and one handle of basket missing, chips to flowers and foliage on base

Provenance:
Christies, 7 June 1994, British ceramics including Chelsea Porcelain from a distinguished Australian Collection, lot 70
Anon. purchase, Brighton 1904

This item has been sold