Figurine Collecting
Figurine collecting is a popular hobby that involves acquiring small statues or models, often made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, glass, or metal. This practice has deep historical roots, with origins tracing back approximately 30,000 years to prehistoric times when early humans crafted small animal figures from ivory. Over the centuries, figurines evolved significantly, particularly with the advent of porcelain production in ancient China around the twelfth century BCE, which sparked interest across Europe by the eighteenth century.
The collecting of figurines gained substantial traction in the nineteenth century, especially in England with the mass production of Staffordshire figurines depicting various subjects like animals and peasants. The post-World War II era saw a surge in popularity for specific brands, such as Hummel figurines from Germany, often given as gifts for special occasions. Collectors today seek various types of figurines, including limited editions and unique pieces, with attention to their condition, rarity, and craftsmanship.
While many engage in figurine collecting for personal enjoyment, it can also be viewed as a potential investment, though the market is known to fluctuate. Collecting communities and clubs exist to foster shared interests, provide resources, and host events, enhancing the social experience of collecting.
Figurine Collecting
History
The first figurines were small palm-sized animals that prehistoric people carved out of ivory approximately 30,000 years ago. A large number of ivory, limestone, and clay figures of women have also been found in archeological digs across Europe. These intricate figures, representing the human or animal form, were probably used in religious ceremonies.
By the twelfth century BCE, the Chinese had invented and developed the art of porcelain, and were producing primitive porcelain figurines in addition to utilitarian pottery.
By the early eighteenth century, Europeans, fascinated by the beautiful work, imported many of China's fine porcelain pieces. After the "reinvention" of porcelain in Europe, Europeans began to open factories of their own. Meissen, Dresde, and Sèvres were just some of the factories that produced figurines during this period. Porcelain figures of animals and people were widely collected by royalty and the very wealthy.
During the mid- to late nineteenth century, pottery figures were being mass-produced all over Europe. Among the most loved and collected were figurines from Staffordshire, England. Figurines of peasants, royalty, and animals (especially dogs) were marketed to the middle class in England and imported to America. Throughout the nineteenth century, Staffordshire figurines continued to be widely collected by Americans.
German bisque figurines were also imported to the United States and were sold in souvenir shops. Figures of women in swimsuits, mermaids, and sea nymphs were fashionable figurine collectibles found at seaside shops.
Figurine collecting increased throughout the twentieth century as new figurines were introduced into the market. American soldiers returning from World War II brought home Hummel figurines from Germany, which soon became one of the most popular types of collectible figurines. It soon became very fashionable to give figurines as gifts and to commemorate special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Figurine collecting has remained popular through the present day. Hummel, Lladró, Royal Daulton, Sèvres, Meissen, Dresden, and Staffordshire are still some of the most collected types of figurines in the world.
Most modern figurines are made of resin, plastic, or porcelain bisque. Figurines can also be made of glass, ceramic, metal, stone, or wood.
Things to Look For
Because the field of figurine collecting is so broad, each type of figurine has a unique set of characteristics. Antique porcelain figurines as well as modern figurines are often marked with a "maker's mark," or other indication of their manufacturer. These marks tell the collector the approximate time period and place in which the figurine was made.
Generally speaking, figurine collectors look first at condition. Crazing, or fine lines that can appear on a glazed pottery figurine from damage or changes in temperature, should generally be avoided. Crazing can be fixed on many figurines, but it does affect a piece's value. Chips, cracks, stains and signs of repair are common in older pieces, and may also decrease the value of some figurines.
Figurine collectors also look at the size, detail, rarity and overall beauty of a figurine. The quality of the workmanship and the collectibility of certain artists are also valued.
Like most art pieces, many figurines are numbered, and a serious collector will often look for limited edition pieces or low production numbers. Many makers produce figurines in sets; a complete set will usually command a higher price.
Collectors should be aware that figurine reproductions are very common. Whether buying an antique or a modern figurine, a collector should only buy from a reputable dealer. Careful research will often reveal the signs of a reproduction. Most modern figurines come with hand-numbered certificates of authenticity, which is important if a collector plans on eventually selling their collection.
Trends
Figurine collecting continues to be one of the most popular collecting categories. Since the 1980s, figurines based on movies and fantasy and television cartoon characters have become highly collectible. Disney collectible figurines that are popular throughout the world and constantly produced. Holiday figurines, especially ones with a vintage Christmas or Halloween themes, are also widely collected.
American ceramic figurines produced in the 1920s through the 1960s by companies such as Florence Ceramics, Freeman-McFarlin, and Brayton Laguna have increased in popularity in recent years. Vintage figurines from companies such as Lefton, Enesco, Josef Originals, and Napco have become more collectible thanks to online auction sites such as eBay.
Collecting Figurines for Fun vs. Profit
Most figurine collectors collect simply because they enjoy looking at and adding to their collection. Like many collectible markets, the figurine market is unstable and is not recommended as a long-term investment. Many figurine collectors look to pass on their collection to a family member, rather than reselling their pieces.
Generally, limited edition and rare signed pieces hold their value better than common figurines. Antique porcelain figurines, especially rare or unique pieces, have always increased in value, however.
Some collectors join clubs that are devoted to the particular type of figurine they collect. Clubs offer information about new pieces, retired figurines, and most importantly, the opportunity to buy limited or exclusive pieces. Figurine collecting clubs will often host events where artists will sign their figurines. These signed figurines often bring more money when selling a collection.
Learning More
Books
Joseph, Frances. The Beatrix Potter and Bunnykins Price Guide. London: Francis Joseph Publications, 1995.
Luckey, Carl F. Luckey's Hummel Figurines and Plates Identification and Value Guide. Iola: Krause Publications, 1997.
Murray, Jesse. Teddy Bear Figurines Price Guide. Grantsville: Hobby House Press, Inc. 1996.
Ohrbach, Barbara Milo. A Passion for Antiques. New York: Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2004.
Whiteneck, Peggy. Collecting Lladró Identification and Price Guide. Iola: Krause Publications, 2003.