Mid 19th Century Victorian Conta & Boehme German Porcelain Fairing Boxes – Set of 15

A very rare collection of fifteen original antique mid 19th Century Victorian Conta & Boehme German Porcelain Fairing Boxes plus two Japanese reproductions (clock and box).

Made of fine white porcelain in the characteristic manner of the style, this collection has many themes ranging from clowns, clocks, the Virgen Mary, boy with hoop, books, anchors and a tea set. All but one have the box and lid. Two additional pieces are Japanese reproductions (square box and clock).

These type of boxes and figurines are known as china fairings, as they were given away as prizes at fairs during the Victorian era. They were usually manufactured in Continental Europe for the British market, notably in Germany by Conta & Boehme,

Fairings, which are small porcelain groups of gaily colored animal and human china figures, were given away as prizes or purchased at English fairs. Fairings were a popular fair souvenir during the middle of the Victorian era through 1915. Commemorative buildings and people, along with popular music and songs, inspired some of the fairings. Because beds were featured so prominently in many fairings, fairings often were referred to as “bedpieces.” Small trinket boxes were common souvenir items sold at fairs or seaside resorts. Staffordshire or other English potters did not make fairings. They were imported from Germany. Production of fairings ceased in 1914, resulting from tension associated with the coming of World War I.

All original, dates to the 19th mid-century, circa 1850’s
German in origin, Conta & Boehme, Unmarked
Measurements: Approx. 3″ high with lid x 3″ x 2″ EACH
Condition: Exceptionally good considering age