Continental Porcelain Figurines

The term ceramic is a generic term that refers to something that is made of clay and solidified through heat. Porcelain falls under the ceramic umbrella, but it incorporates kaolin as an ingredient, creating a white clay. To determine if a figurine is porcelain or stoneware or earthenware, it’s best to examine it. Porcelain is somewhat translucent with a glasslike surface where there is no glaze. Shop a range of antique and vintage porcelain figurines on 1stDibs.

To tell vintage porcelain figurines apart from other pieces, look on the bottom for a maker's mark. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine the approximate time when the manufacturer produced pieces similar to yours. It is vintage if your figurine was manufactured between 20 and 99 years ago. Older figurines are antique, while newer ones are contemporary. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can also assist with the dating and identification process. Shop a wide range of vintage figurines on 1stDibs.

One thing to look for in an antique porcelain figure is to look for the maker’s mark, usually found on the bottom of the piece. The porcelain figure will also have a delicate fragile quality to it. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique porcelain figures from some of the world’s top sellers.

The difference between porcelain and ceramic figurines is the materials used to produce them. Porcelain is a delicate white material, while ceramic tends to be heavier and varies in color depending on the type of clay used to produce it. Shop a wide range of antique and vintage figurines on 1stDibs.

No, every Fornasetti porcelain figurine is handmade. In fact, the brand produces all of their home decorative items by hand at their workshop in Milan, Italy. If you see indications that a figurine came from a factory, it is likely not an authentic Fornasetti. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Fornasetti on 1stDibs.