Set of Two Mid-Century Italian Porcelain Figurines from Commedia dell’arte – Pulcinella and Colombina

This exquisite pair of hand-painted 8.5-inch Italian porcelain figurines depicts the classic Commedia dell’arte characters Pulcinella and Colombina, captured in beautifully detailed Rococo style. Commedia dell’arte — a vibrant, improvised form of Italian street and court comedy that flourished from the 16th to 18th centuries — brought to life a cast of enduring archetypes. Pulcinella, the clever and mischievous male servant, is shown here in a white costume with green accents and his traditional black half-mask, caught in a moment of sly self-reflection. Colombina, his witty and resourceful female counterpart, wears a corseted bodice, flowered skirt, and pointed cap — posed mid-curtsy with charming theatrical flair. The modeling, expressive gestures, and vivid hand-painted coloration reflect the style and craftsmanship associated with Italy’s postwar porcelain traditions.

These figures are hand-marked and numbered on the base and attributed to Peasant Village (P.V.), a pottery line imported by Mittledorfer-Strauss of New York. Active from the 1920s through the 1960s, the Peasant Village brand curated select European ceramics for the American market, with many pieces produced in Italy during the 1940s–1960s. This pair features the less common hand-inscribed “P.V.” marking — a known variation used by Peasant Village in its mid-century Italian exports — making them a rare example of theatrical subject matter from this collectible line. Both figures are in excellent vintage condition, with no chips or repairs, and remain an exceptional find for collectors of Commedia dell’arte, Rococo-style porcelain, or Italian decorative arts.

Condition: Excellent – no chips, cracks, or stains. Slight crazing on the white base of Colombina (female). Feel free to message me if you have additional questions or would like more photos.

Measurements:
Male – 3.25"W x 3.25"D x 8.5"H
Female – 4.25"W x 4"D x 8.5"H