A Crispy Story in Porcelain For centuries, the pretzel has captured both taste and imagination – as ceremonial bread, Lenten fare, or a symbol of the baking trade. Our Object of the Month for July, an exquisite 18th-century porcelain figure by Royal Crown Derby, portrays a pastry seller with pretzels and fine baked goods – a miniature masterpiece brimming with tradition and charm.

Pastry Seller
Royal Crown Derby, Derby (UK)
Mid-18th Century, Porcelain

A Porcelain Treat

Savory or sweet, filled or plain – the pretzel has delighted taste buds around the world for centuries. This twisted pastry boasts a long and rich history: as early as the 7th century, it was baked in monasteries and originally served as a ceremonial and communion bread. Later, it became a staple during Lent – made from just a few simple ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and yeast, yet nourishing enough to sustain.

Before long, pretzels became part of everyday fare. In earlier times, however, not every household owned an oven, and pretzel-making was a skilled process. They were therefore produced mainly by bakers – and came to be regarded as the emblem of the baking trade.

Today, the pretzel lives on not only as a beloved food but also as an artistic motif. This porcelain figure of a pastry seller, created by Royal Crown Derby – one of England’s oldest porcelain manufacturers – holds a pretzel-topped staff in her left hand and a basket filled with baked goods. It is a delicate testament to how this time-honored pastry has inspired culture and craftsmanship alike.