Figures of a Jewish Peddler and his Wife, Derby, England, Circa 1770

Figures of a Jewish Peddler and his Wife, Derby, England, Circa 1770

This pair of Derby ware figures, dating from around 1760, represent an increasingly visible sight in 18th century England: the Jewish peddler.

Although these figures look striking and colorful, many of the new Jewish arrivals from Europe were poor and eked out a living selling old clothes and goods, such as ribbons, quill pens and jewelry. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Jewish peddler was a familiar – and often abused – character.

During the 18th century, the Jewish community increased to 30,000 and synagogues were opened in many towns. The expansion of the Royal Navy enabled some Jews to become established as marine storekeepers, optical instrument dealers and tailors in the West Country seaports. In the 19th century the community gradually became more prosperous, better educated and integrated into British life. Ceramic

heights 7 1/2 in. and 7 1/3 in.

19.5 cm and 19 cm

A pair of these figures, differently painted, is in the collection of the Jewish Museum, London, JM 693a, illustrated Treasures of Jewish Heritage: The Jewish Museum, London (2006), p. 25.

Another pair  sold Sotheby's Judaica April 2013 • New York A Treasured Legacy (Steinhardt)  Lot 115 Sold 9,375 USD