Royal Crown Derby Chipmunk 1986 Bone China Paperweight Figurine.

Royal Crown Derby fine bone china paperweight "Chipmunk" first quality piece, excellent condition. Dated 1986, no stopper - see note below. This adorable little chipmunk has attitude! With bright blue and gold fur, he is hand decorated with maple leaves and maple keys and is clearly looking for his next snack! Note: During the late 1980's Royal Crown Derby paperweights were shipped to the US without their signature gold stoppers due to importing restrictions. It is not uncommon to find first quality pieces without stoppers from that time period. Royal Crown Derby launched its first animal paperweights in a range of five birds and a rabbit at Chatsworth House in 1981. The creatures were beautifully sculpted by Robert Jefferson of Poole pottery fame, before being hand-decorated with the firm’s signature Imari pattern and highlighted with 22 carat gold. Eye-catching and of superb quality yet affordable, Royal Crown Derby paperweights are a collectable modern classic with broad appeal. What’s more, these addictive creatures make the ideal the gift for animal lovers, those with a passion for traditional ceramics or simply for someone who appreciates a beautifully crafted object. Production has expanded to over 650 individual designs that range from small ladybirds, snails and robins to the majestic Golden Eagle.