This rare figure is based on the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova in her most famous role as the Dying Swan in La Cygne. In the early 20c Pavlova travelled the world popularising classical ballet. Although re-issued after the star’s death in 1931, examples remain extremely hard to find. This particular example is titled The Swan Dance (Pavlova) an interesting alternative to the usual title simply ‘Pavlova’ or the rarer ‘Swan Song’.

Although famed for popularising classical ballet, Pavlova also appeared in music halls as a solo artist, reaching a very wide public at the time. Many of you will have guessed that her popularity reached the southern hemisphere too, where in Australia and New Zealand they created the popular Pavlova desert named after her!

This example will be auctioned by Adam Partridge Auctions at 2pm on Wednesday 10thSeptember at their Macclesfield saleroom, here is a link to the website

https://www.adampartridge.co.uk

The lot description reads:

CHARLES J NOKE FOR ROYAL DOULTON; an exceptionally rare figurine , “The Swan Dance (Pavlova)” HN487 Potted by Doulton & Co, handwritten in black, green Doulton backstamp, with light blue wash over tutu, exceptionally well painted face (21-38) 4 1/4″, impressed date 6.23.