Royal Doulton Figurines Koko & Yum Yum HN2898, HN2899 - The Mikado Collection

These charming Royal Doulton figurines capture beloved characters from Gilbert & Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado, bringing theatrical whimsy and Victorian-era craftsmanship to your collection. This matched pair represents Royal Doulton's masterful interpretation of operatic characters, featuring the elaborate Japanese-inspired costumes that made The Mikado one of England's most enduring theatrical productions.

Koko HN2898 portrays the pompous Lord High Executioner in his elaborate ceremonial robes. Standing 11.5 inches tall, this figurine showcases rich burgundy and green glazing with gold accents that capture the theatrical grandeur of his costume. The modeling expertly captures Koko's self-important bearing and comic personality, with hand-painted details that bring depth and character to his elaborate Japanese-style dress. His proud stance and ornate robes demonstrate Royal Doulton's skill in translating stage costume into three-dimensional ceramic art.

Yum Yum HN2899 depicts "one of three little maids from school" in her delicate kimono, standing 11.5 inches tall. This figurine features exquisite hand-painted floral patterns in soft pinks, blues, and cream tones that flow across her traditional dress. Royal Doulton's artisans captured her demure charm and graceful posture, creating a piece that embodies the romantic innocence of the opera's heroine. The careful attention to kimono draping and facial expression showcases the factory's renowned ability to convey personality and emotion through ceramic sculpture.

Designed by William K. Harper and produced from 1980 to 1985, these figurines represent a brief five-year production window that enhances their collectibility. The relatively short production run makes this pair more desirable than many later Royal Doulton character pieces, while the 1980s backstamp period maintained the hand-painting quality and craftsmanship that distinguished earlier Doulton work.

These figurines work beautifully as a matched set, capturing the relationship between The Mikado's characters while offering collectors two distinct pieces of theatrical artistry. Each stands successfully on its own merit, but together they create a complete narrative tableau that appeals to Royal Doulton enthusiasts, Gilbert & Sullivan collectors, and those drawn to Victorian theatrical heritage.

The paired nature makes Koko and Yum Yum particularly appealing to collectors seeking character sets with storytelling elements. Individual pieces appear on the market, but matched pairs in excellent condition command appropriate premiums from collectors building theatrical or character-focused collections.

For collectors seeking character pieces with narrative appeal, artistic merit, and reasonable scarcity, Koko and Yum Yum represent an accessible entry into Royal Doulton's theatrical heritage while offering genuine collectibility through their limited production run and charming subject matter.

Koko HN2898 Height: 11.5 inches Designer: William K. Harper Production: 1980-1985

Yum Yum HN2899 Height: 11.5 inches
Designer: William K. Harper Production: 1980-1985

They both come in their Original Boxes and Certs.

Status: Discontinued, sought after as matched pairs