Royal Crown Derby "Ladybird" or Seven Spotted Ladybird. 1997 gold stopper

Royal Crown Derby "Ladybird" bone china paperweight. This is also called a "Seven Spotted Ladybird" and is dated 1997. The figurine is intricately painted with 22kt gold highlights and is boxed. 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 450 individual designs that range from ladybirds, snails and robins to the majestic Golden Eagle.