Figures From India

A KAWS figure is a toy or figurine comparable to an action figure, created by the American artist, Brian Donnelly, who is known professionally as KAWS. Called ‘companions’, the figures are in KAWS’ signature style, and monster-size versions have been seen everywhere from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Shop a selection of KAWS pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

So sorry, I cannot find anything legit on this. Is it a Funko Pop! thing?

In art, a lay figure is a doll-like model that artists can pose in different ways. The lay figure can be used for sketching or as a stand-in for the living subject of a portrait. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of portrait art from some of the world's top galleries.

The difference between black-figure and red-figure Greek pottery is that in black-figure pottery, figural and ornamental motifs were applied with a slip that turned black during firing and the background was color of the clay, whereas the decorative motifs on red-figure vases remained the color of the clay; the background, filled in with a slip, turned black. Red-figure is essentially the reverse of a black figure. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique Greek pottery.

You can figure out your ring size by taking a piece of string and wrapping it around the base of your finger. After marking the circumference with a pen, lay the string flat and measure it using a ruler. Next, write down the measurement in millimeters and compare it to a ring size chart.

To identify porcelain figures, search for any maker's marks, which are usually painted, stamped or incised into their bases. Snapping a photograph of the marking and then performing a reverse image search may lead to a quick identification. Otherwise, use trusted online resources to look up the marking and determine the maker. Then, you can review reference guides to learn the name, age and other characteristics of your figurine. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help you. Shop a wide range of porcelain figurines on 1stDibs.

What Keith Haring's figures mean depends on the lines near them. Curves show that a figure is in motion, while short straight lines represent sound. The figures themselves are usually meant to signify various roles in society. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Keith Haring art.

To tell if a KAWS figure is real, first assess its overall quality. From the Companion to the Chum, all authentic KAWS figures will feel solid and dense. If it’s hollow, it’s likely not a KAWS.

Be skeptical of any product marked “factory error.” KAWS spends a great deal of time perfecting every limited-edition design and would never release a less-than-flawless creation. Smudged, deformed or misaligned details are highly unlikely on an authentic KAWS; it’s more probable that “factory error” and “sample” are simply more appealing terms for “unauthorized copy.” Of course, if a figure is preowned and unboxed, a few dings and scratches may appear.

Next, examine the details. An authentic box for a figure will have a hologram label that changes color as you move it. Is the box’s size correct? The color? How about the font size and spacing everywhere on the packaging? Does it have the correct design on the front? Inspect even the smallest detail — it may be the one that a lazy counterfeiter overlooked.

As for the figure itself, again, every element counts. Is the color right? Many fakes get the nuances wrong, so be sure to compare the color of your figure to those shown in images of authentic pictures. How about the finish? Check if your particular figure should be matte or shiny. Are there discrepancies in the X of the eyes or the placement of design features? For example, a four-foot KAWS Dissected Companion should have 10 dots for the ribs. Many fakes only have nine.

When in doubt about the authenticity of a piece, seek the help of a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert.

On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of KAWS figures.

Carved African wood figurines were typically spiritual in nature and were primarily in human form. The wood figurines were carved using ebony, teak, mahogany and iron wood. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic African wood figurines from some of the world’s top sellers.

The first Italian painter to paint realistic figures was Giotto di Bondone. His works marked a departure from the elongated, stylized forms common in early Christian art and served as inspiration for Italian Renaissance painters. Giotto's most famous paintings include Lamentation, the Ognissanti Madonna, the Kiss of Judas and Pentecost. Explore a diverse assortment of fine art on 1stDibs.

At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.