How can I tell if a figurine is ceramic or porcelain?

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.

How can you tell vintage porcelain figurines?

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.

How do I spot an antique porcelain figurine?

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.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic figurines?

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.

Can a Fornasetti porcelain figurine be factory-made?

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.

Rococo Porcelain Figurines

Meissen 18th Century Figurines

At Meissen

18th Century German Rococo

Johann Joachim Kaendler

Meissen Rococo Porcelain Figurine of a Lady, Hand-Painted, Circa 1740

$2,728

Meissen Rococo Porcelain Figurine of a Lady, Hand-Painted, Circa 1740

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Basildon, GB

A good 18th Century Meissen Figurine of a Lady, circa 1740, modelled by Peter Reinecke wearing a hat with a ribbon, floral dress and holding a bouquet of flowers and standing on a fl...

Category

Antique 1740s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

$200

German Porcelain Figurine, Young Gardener, 20th Century

Located in København, Copenhagen

German porcelain figurine. Young gardener. 20th century. Measures: 14.6 x 6 cm. In very good condition. Minimal chips on the rake. Stamped.

Category

20th Century German Rococo Revival Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Three Ilmenau Porcelain Figurines, Dancing Boy Children, 1970s

$300 / set

Three Ilmenau Porcelain Figurines, Dancing Boy Children, 1970s

Located in København, Copenhagen

Three Ilmenau porcelain figurines. Dancing boy children, 1970s. Largest measures: 14 x 7.5 cm. In very good condition. Stamped.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Ludwigsburg - figurine of a gardener, late 18th century

$971

Ludwigsburg - figurine of a gardener, late 18th century

By Ludwigsburg Porcelain Manufactory

Located in DELFT, NL

Gardener figure of a young man holding ears of wheat and a sickle in his hands. model by Johann Christoph Haselmeyer or Johann Jacob Louis. Underglaze blue CC monogram on the back ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

$720 / set

Four German Dresden Porcelain Figurines in Overglaze Technic

Located in København, Copenhagen

Four German Dresden Porcelain figurines in overglaze technic. 14 cm. tall. All in good condition.

Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Porcelain

$2,141Sale Price / set|25% Off

Meissen Porcelain Rococo Couple Figurines, Germany, 19th Century

Located in Lisbon, PT

A pair of 19th-century Meissen porcelain figurines in Rococo Revival style, depicting a romantic couple in floral costumes.

Category

Antique 19th Century German Rococo Revival Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Early Meissen Porcelain, Singerie Style Monkey Musician Figurine

$2,650

Early Meissen Porcelain, Singerie Style Monkey Musician Figurine

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in New York, NY

An early Meissen Porcelain Singerie style Monkey Musician Figurine. Dressed in full male noble attire and wig the monkey merrily plays the trumpet assuming both the stance and manner...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Rococo Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

$90Sale Price|64% Off

Holloháza Rococo Porcelain Lady Figurine with Mirror, 20th Century

Located in Somis, CA

This refined Hollohaza porcelain figurine beautifully captures the grace and elegance of 18th‑century European fashion.

Category

20th Century Hungarian Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

$9,412

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurine 'Pair of Lovers' 'Liebespaar' circa 1745

By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler

Located in Basildon, GB

18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurine 'Pair of Lovers' 'Liebespaar' circa 1745 Sitting lovers, designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, above a base covered with plastic flowers and l...

Category

Antique 1740s German Rococo Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Materials

Porcelain

Very Large Capodimonte, Naples Porcelain Figurine of a Rococo Couple

Sold

H 7.49 in Dm 10.63 in

Very Large Capodimonte, Naples Porcelain Figurine of a Rococo Couple

Located in København, Copenhagen

Very large Capodimonte, Naples porcelain figurine of a Rococo couple in elegant dresses.

Sold

H 9.055 in W 5.7 in D 3.54 in

Meissen Porcelain Figurine Tailor Riding on Goat by Kaendler Model 171

By Johann Joachim Kaendler

Located in Vienna, AT

Meissen gorgeous figurine: Tailor Riding on Goat. Dating: made 19th century (circa 1870) Material: white porcelain, glossy finish, finest painting Technique: handmade porcelain ...

Category

Antique 1870s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Figurines The Rape of Europe Model 2697 by Eberlein Made c. 1750 Rococo

Sold

H 8.66 in W 7.87 in D 4.52 in

Meissen Figurines The Rape of Europe Model 2697 by Eberlein Made c. 1750 Rococo

By Johann Friedrich Eberlein

Located in Vienna, AT

Meissen Gorgeous Figurine Group: Europe Riding On Bull / The Rape Of Europe (MODEL 2697) manufactured circa 1750 (= pre-Marcolini period !) Specifications: Europa is sitti...

Category

Antique 1750s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurine "Europe and the Bull" Late 19th Century

Sold

H 8.27 in Dm 9.85 in

Large Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurine "Europe and the Bull" Late 19th Century

Located in København, Copenhagen

Large antique Meissen Porcelain figurine. "Europe and the bull" from Greek mythology, late 19th century. Measures: 25 x 21 cm. In very good condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Very Early Meissen Figurines, Dance Couple, Germany, Around 1755

Sold

H 7.09 in Dm 5.91 in

Pair of Very Early Meissen Figurines, Dance Couple, Germany, Around 1755

By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Friedrich Eberlein

Located in Vienna, AT

Galant dance couple consisting of two individual figures. The female dancer wears rural Rococo clothing: a long, striped skirt with a bodice, a fitted vest over it, a flowered apron...

Category

Antique 1750s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

$171

H 10.63 in W 5.12 in D 9.06 in

GIFT IDEA - 1970s Italian Glazed Ceramic Spaniel Figurine – Hand-Painted Details

Located in Bochum, NRW

🎁 Holiday Highlight: A thoughtful gift for dog lovers, vintage collectors, or anyone who appreciates European craftsmanship. A soulful 1970s Italian ceramic spaniel figurine, crafte...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Dachshund Dog

$2,552

$1,282Sale Price / set|20% Off

$4,500Sale Price|47% Off

H 18 in Dm 10 in

Rare Important 19th C Estate Large Gorgeous Dresden Porcelain Woman with Dress

By Dresden Porcelain

Located in New York, NY

We are offering this Large Outstanding Estate Monumental Signed Original 19th Century Dresden Woman. German porcelain figural Woman With Intricate Lace and Rosettes throughout all Ha...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Charming Mid-Century Porcelain Spaniel Dog Figurine with Expressive Eyes

$377

H 11.42 in W 6.3 in D 9.06 in

Charming Mid-Century Porcelain Spaniel Dog Figurine with Expressive Eyes

Located in Bochum, NRW

🎁 A thoughtful gift for dog lovers, vintage enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates timeless decorative art. Pair it with a handwritten note or place it under the tree for a heartwar...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Style Porcelain Monkey Band Flute Player

$495

$640

H 7.09 in Dm 2.76 in

Antique French Samson Porcelain Figurine, Mid-Late 19th Century

Located in København, Copenhagen

Antique French Samson porcelain figurine, mid-late 19th century. Overglaze. In perfect condition. Measures 18 cm. X 7 cm. Four figures in the same series are on stock.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Porcelain

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English Ironstone Vase and Cover, Morley Ashworth Ironstone

$2,500

$24,555

$500

H 7.25 in W 5.25 in D 1 in

"Austrian Applied Arts" Book

By Josef Hoffmann

Located in New York, NY

One-volume survey of "Austrian Applied Arts", primarily Secession, with an introduction by Josef Hoffmann. Published in 1930 by Heinz & Co. Organized by type-ceramics, metal, textile...

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Vienna Secession Books

Materials

Paper

$3,750

H 28.25 in Dm 20.5 in

Austrian Biedermeier 1820s Guéridon Side Table with Burl Veneer and Iron Frame

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Austrian Biedermeier period guéridon side table with burl veneer and iron base from the early 19th century. This Biedermeier guéridon features a circular top made of burl veneer, ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Side Tables

Materials

Iron

18th Century Iron Chandelier

$124,000

H 104 in Dm 52 in

18th Century Iron Chandelier

Located in Atlanta, GA

When you describe something as outrageous, sometimes that is an exaggeration. But there is no better way of describing this phenomenal fixture. It is a late 18th century all iron cha...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Iron

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Rococo Porcelain Figurines For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of rococo porcelain figurines available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of ceramic and porcelain, all rococo porcelain figurines available were constructed with great care. Rococo porcelain figurines have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Rococo porcelain figurines made by Rococo designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — are very popular at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made rococo porcelain figurines over the years, but those made by Johann Joachim Kändler, Meissen Porcelain and Michel Victor Acier are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Rococo Porcelain Figurines?

Rococo porcelain figurines can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,875, while the lowest priced sells for $174 and the highest can go for as much as $45,000.

A Close Look at Rococo Furniture

Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.

The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.

When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.

The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.

Questions About Rococo Porcelain Figurines

How can I tell if a figurine is ceramic or porcelain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
How can you tell vintage porcelain figurines?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
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.
How do I spot an antique porcelain figurine?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic figurines?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
Can a Fornasetti porcelain figurine be factory-made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
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.