Ceramic Figurative Sculptures

A 19th century French bisque porcelain figurine of a couple seated and engaged in a conversation. The figurine is marked on back and ...

Charming German Art Deco Porcelain Half Doll – Marked "Germany 3851" This delightful German porcelain half doll captivates with her petite size, making her all the more charming. Sh...

The engraved and brush painted ceramic plate, Visage Gris (Grey Face) is one the most iconic pieces created by Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) at the Madoura workshop in Vallauris, France. It is said "all portraits are self portraits". In this work, we see Picasso's wistfulness, vulnerability and humor set within a beautiful image representing both the sun and the moon, the masculine and the feminine. Picasso mastery of form, image, composition and subtle color is evident in a work that resonates transcendence. Created in 1953, Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage Gris (Grey Face), 1953 A.R. 206 is a Madoura white earthenware clay, knife engraved under partial brushed glaze with decoration in engobes (green, black, white) from the edition of 500. This work is stamped with the 'Madoura PLEIN FEU' and ‘EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the reverse. Dimensions: 12 3/8 x 15 1/8 x 1 5/8in (31.4 x 38.3 x 4.1cm). Madoura was an artisan workshop created by Georges and Suzanne Ramie which collaborated with Picasso in the fabrication and hand painting of the works. Pablo Picasso designed 633 different ceramic editions between 1947 and 1971 at the Madoura workshop, with a number of variants and unique pieces resulting from these initial works. He began by creating simple, utilitarian objects such as plates and bowls, but later produced more complex forms, including pitchers and vases — their handles occasionally shaped to form facial features, or anatomical parts of his animal subjects. Picasso remains one of the highest-grossing artists at auction today, and the range of his ceramics means it's possible to find both a good investment and a beautiful object. Visage Gris is among the most important. A Short Biography follows: Pablo Picasso revolutionized the art world and to many is THE artist of the 20th century. He is famous for his role in pioneering Cubism with Georges Braque and for his melancholy Blue Period pieces. Original signed Picasso lithographs and prints are a sure investment. Madoura Picasso ceramics are highly collectible in their own right. As one of the most influential Modern artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso is renowned as a legendary artistic master to this day. Born on October 25, 1881 in Malaga, Spain, Pablo Picasso was a child prodigy who was recognized as such by his art-teacher father, who ably led him along. The small Museo de Picasso in Barcelona is devoted primarily to his early works, which include strikingly realistic renderings of casts of ancient sculpture. Picasso was a rebel from the start and, as a teenager, began to frequent the Barcelona cafes where intellectuals gathered. He soon went to Paris, the capital of art, and soaked up the works of Edouard Manet, Gustave Courbet, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose sketchy style impressed him greatly. Then it was back to Spain, a return to France, and again back to Spain – all in the years 1899 to 1904. Before he struck upon Cubism, Picasso went through a prodigious number of styles – realism, caricature, the Blue Period, and the Rose Period. These distinguished styles are apparent in the unique original works as well as Picasso ceramics, lithographs, linocuts, and etchings that he created later in his life. The Blue Period dates from 1901 to 1904 and is characterized by a predominantly blue palette and focuses on outcasts, beggars, and prostitutes. This was when he also produced his first sculptures. The most poignant work of the style, La Vie (1903), currently located in Cleveland’s Museum of Art, was created in memory of his childhood friend, the Spanish poet Carlos Casagemas, who had committed suicide. The painting started as a self-portrait, but Picasso’s features became those of his lost friend. The composition is stilted, the space compressed, the gestures stiff, and the tones predominantly blue. The Rose Period began around 1904 when Picasso’s palette brightened and is dominated by pinks and beiges, light blues, and roses. His subjects are saltimbanques (circus people), harlequins, and clowns, all of whom seem to be mute and strangely inactive. One of the premier works of this period is Family of Saltimbanques (1905), currently in Washington, D.C. at the National Gallery, which portrays a group of circus workers who appear alienated and incapable of communicating with each other, set in a one-dimensional space. In 1905, Picasso went briefly to Holland, and on his return to Paris, his works took on a classical aura with large male and female figures seen frontally or in distinct profile, as in early Greek art. One of the best examples of this style is in the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, NY, La Toilette (1906). Several pieces in this new, classical style were purchased by Gertrude Stein (the art patron and writer) and her brother, Leo Stein. With his groundbreaking 1907 painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon...

This is a wonderful pair of figures of Arlecchino and Columbina, made by the Bow Porcelain factory in about 1758. These figures formed part of a series of the Commedia dell'Arte, a very popular series of theatrical figures that served as decoration at the dinner table in the 18th Century. The Bow Porcelain Factory was one of the first potteries in Britain to make soft paste porcelain, and most probably the very first to use bone ash, which later got perfected by Josiah Spode to what is now the universally used "bone china". Bow was the main competitor of the Chelsea Porcelain Factory, but where Chelsea made very fine slipcast porcelain, Bow made a different soft paste porcelain that tended to be softer and could be pressed into moulds. Bow served a larger public generally at lower prices. The factory was only in operation between 1743 and 1774, after which the tradition got incorporated into some of the later famous potteries such as Worcester and Derby. These figures were used to adorn the dinner table when dessert was served; groups of figures served to express something about the host, the guests, or to direct the conversation. The Italian Commedia Dell'Arte, a comical form of masked theatre, was very popular in those days and Bow copied many figures of the German Meissen series that were brought out in the decades before. This pair dates from about 1758, which was at the height of Bow's ability to make beautiful figurines often copied from Chelsea or Meissen. The pair is modelled after a Meissen pair by Kaendler. The porcelain is translucent with a beautiful milky glaze - Bow was probably the first pottery using bone in its porcelain recipe. Arlecchino (Harlequin) is playing the bagpipes, dressed in an odd costume of mismatched chintz and playing cards and wearing a funny black trumpet...

Abstract terracotta sculpture by Vassil Ivanof - signed on the back - 1960s . Dimensions : Height : 31 cm Width : 20 cm Depth : 7 cm Weight : 3,5 kgs . Sublime work in terracotta. Si...

Penny bank made by Italian Angelo Biagioni for the French market (see image with marking on the back of the chair), circa 1910. Biagioni, born in 1870, was a well known sculptor who crafted objects for resale to the European market. Money boxes (or still banks as they are called in America) were one of the more unique and more difficult items to find by this artist as most objects were basic uni-dimensional sculptered pieces. What makes it more rare is the unfortunate requirement to break and smash the bank open to get the coins out, as there was no mechanism to remove the money. The subject matter of the bank is that of a nicely dressed older lady seated in a chair reading a book. The bank is in all original condition and paint with no restoration or touch-up of any kind. This is a nice addition to any bank or toy collection, or simply to have as a "stand alone" unique item. Dimensions : 4 1/4" deep x 3 3/8" wide x 8 5/8" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys and banks, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage still banks...

This 3-part crusty yellow-gold hand built ceramic TOTEM is a true gift from the "kiln gods", a term ceramicists often use. Here, the result was totally unpredictable and unexpected. ...

A.Giannelli - Busto di donna africana in ceramica, firmata A. Giannelli, base in marmo, Perfetto stato.

Large, ornate vase in the shape of a jug with highly embossed, partially three-dimensional decoration: on a separate oval base with colourful, diagonal feather trim, bulbous body nes...

Asian Chinese (Ming Dynasty-Circa 1500) blue & green porcelain Shou Lau seated figure with oversize head (symbolism of longevity & luck) on a base suppo...

This is a Mid-Century Janos Torok for Zsolnay Sculpture, The Thinking. It depicts an iridescent green eosin glazed porcelain tridimensional figure shaped as a a tall arc with several...

Nymph & God Pan Terracotta Sculpture, Nymph & Satyr Terracotta Sculpture, Nymph & Faun Sculpture, Nymph & Satyr Statue. Large 93 cm terracotta sculptu...

19th century spectacular clay Goddess of summer.

Nymphenburg Porcelain limited edition skull - Voyage - attributed to the modern nomad, sailing fanatic or nautical expert. This hand crafted and hand painted skull is a perfect examp...

Meissen porcelain sculpture, 19th century style, 20th century. A Meissen porcelain sculpture of a Chinese man in traditional dress, 20th century, 19th century style. H: 17cm, D: 6cm

Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...

C. 386-534 AD. Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. A interim Han-Tang Dynasty terracotta brick in a cream-coloured fabric featuring a beautiful depict...

Koi Fish installation figure by Southern California Artist Robert "Bob" Matheny. This piece was acquired at Robert Matheny’s estate. The piece is 16” in...

Statue in the taste of the artist Modigliani, XXth Century. Terracotta sculpture of a woman's head in the style of the artist Modigliani, 20th century.     h: 57cm , w: 14cm, d: 16cm

Stunningly realistic vintage German Shepherd sculpture. This exceptionally well crafted dog is rendered in terra cotta with a beautiful hand-painted and glazed finish. The radiant do...

A very lovely pair of high quality. Made to hang on the wall or lay down on a surface. Lovely craftmanship. Qianlong/Jiaqing period. Both pieces have 1 foot that can move, really co...

Large Rococo porcelain figure group depicting a scene of peasants, a young woman playing a guitar in the top of a rock accompanied by a young c...

Rosario Russell Fiore (American, 1908-1994) Art Deco figural nude ceramic sculpture, 1930s 4 ¼ inches wide by 3 inches deep by 9 inches tall Rosario R. Fiore was a prominent...

Sculpture FUNGHI 22 by Zanellazine Ceramics Dimensions: W 14 x D 12 x H 37 cm Materials: Red clay. About: Giovanna Zighetti, ceramist and set designer, and Lucia Zamberletti, fashio...

Terracotta nude - dated 2th April '43 and signed on the back. Discrete and elegant - Perfect in a beach house or in a ..bathroom ! O/5238 -

Hand built ceramic sculpture in mottled black glaze. This piece, one in a series of Modern TOTEMS has a crimped curve open top, an elongated center form, tripod legs and a luscious b...

Extremely decorative, fully sculptural representation of an Art Nouveau beauty in a softly falling robe, tilted forward to throw a golden ball, with the left forearm holding the back...

Art Deco pin cushion doll by Fasold & Stuach wonderful 1930s Art Deco German porcelain pin cushion half doll related brush topper. Manufactured by th...

Very rare Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain group: Girl in a striped dress with polka dots and a white blouse holding a bouquet of flowers in both hands above her head and fending off a ...

The Shiva flower vase by Ettore Sottsass was designed in 1973 following the inspiration garnered from his love for Catalan women w...

Stunning mid-century large fat lava vase. This beautiful piece is glazed in a deep ocean blue with a red glaze band around it in the middle. The en...

Bring timeless elegance and sensual form into your space with this striking Mid-Century sculpture by artist M. Bart. Made from solid glazed clay, this semi-abstract female nude exu...

- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of ceramic - Maker: Royal Dux - Good, original condition.

Very rare Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain figurines: Two children with colorful hoops: Standing boy in sailor dress, holding the hoop with both hands behind him standing on the ground,...

19th Century French Biscuit Porcelain Figure by G. Levy Beautiful porcelain figure of two children sleeping in an armchair, with perfectly achieved details in which we can appreciate...

Extremely rare Art Nouveau Figurine Group by Meissen: Monumental figure of Flora, taking a step forward in dance and holding large, heavy flower garlands of yellow roses, which are wrapped with a blue bow, in hands. The hair of the female nude is artfully tied into a striped cloth, which is held together by blue ribbons and is decorated with leaf branches over the ears. On her left shoulder she carries a naked boy who is holding in an upside down position a golden wreath...

A fine French 19th-20th century Art Nouveau polychromed terracotta bust of "Crépuscule" (Twilight) After Henri Jacobs (Belgian, 1864-1935) version of Crépuscule, depicting a young ma...

"Pair of Continental (19th Century) Majolica putti figures, each supported by a yellow stump and green glazed pedestal base. One curly haired figure is holding a chaff of wheat (Fall...

School of Paris French Palissy Majolica wall platter which features two overlapping fish on a water-effect ground, to the centre. A lizard, shellfish, ...

Large limited edition flavia vera porcelain figurine of a woman by Giovanni Barbetta, circa 1990s. This finely formed bisque porcelain figurine is entirely handmade and hand-painted ...

This unusual and rare vintage Italian Aldo Londi for Bitossi ceramic is of a woman. We have called it the lady in the car or house. The glazed green has incised textural raised desig...

Glazed ceramic sculpture of a helmsman by Spanish maker Lladró Spanish, 20th Century Measures: Height 55cm, width 38cm, depth 20cm This fine ceramic sculpture depicts a helmsman...

Enhance your table with these delicate porcelain flowers by French artist Samuel Mazy, in collaboration with Maison Nurita. This Lily of the Valley is handmade in biscuit porcelain, glazed in a custom pink for Maison Nurita, with patinated copper leaves and stems, and is placed in a rock crystal pot...

This large antique porcelain figure depicts a Jewish Rabbi with a siddur (prayer book). It is a charming piece of 19th century European porcel...

Bjørn Wiinblad (1918-2006). "Autumn" from the series "The Four Seasons", figurine in blue glazed earthenware. Model number M22. Signed with monogram and dated '64. In perfect conditi...

LARGE 19TH CENTURY TERRACOTTA 122 CM LARGE WHITE PAINTED TERRACOTTA DEPICTING A LADY WITH A LETTER AND A MASK IN HER HANDS SUGGESTING A THEATRICAL ATMOSPHERE. MEASUREMENTS 122X40 X30 cm

A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...

Fun solid ceramic sculptures from a Northeast DC Artists Estate. Showing wear, Chips, Cracks, but no looseness to either piece. Ready to display. Nut Dia 7 ...

Brutalist stylized plant form growing out of the terracotta earth base. Well done metal work reminiscent of Paul Evans, or Jere.

This pair of busts depicts the former King and Queen of France, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The busts are crafted from unglazed whit...

A unique hand modeled terracotta sculpture by John Sebastian Marchese. Wood base.

Pair of 18th century Meissen porcelain subjects. A pair of 18th century Meissen porcelain sculpture subjects, circa 1760, depicting a Turkish couple. H: 13cm, D: 5cm

Impressive Collection of 19th century English Staffordshire Dogs. Instant collection including some rare examples. Eleven total. Note: Measu...

Very large and rare Goldscheider Vienna ceramic figurine: Art Déco execution of an Art Nouveau design around 1909: young woman as the personification of beauty, with hair tied at th...

Surrealist imaginary architectural tower build in red baking clay by Dutch artist Arie Bouter, Gouda 1995 (B. 1942) is carefully hand sculpted. The sculptu...

Sculpture Bloomen 11 by Zanellazine Ceramics Dimensions: W 20 x H 58 cm Materials: Red clay, Brown semi-refractorie clay, White fireclay. About: Giovanna Zighetti, ceramist and set ...

This is a rather rare pair of porcelain figures made by Derby around 1770. The pair was called the "Boy and Girl in Turkish Costumes", numbered 63 in Derby's factory list. They depic...

Lovely porcelain figurine of a nude by the Augarten Porcelain Manufacture of Vienna, Austria. Marked with the company logo on the base. In excellent condition. Some museum wax and st...

Ceramic sculpture made by the Swedish-Estonian artist Mari Simmulson. Simmulson came to Sweden as a refugee during the second world war and started her career at Gustavsberg. Shortly...

A fine antique English porcelain figurine. By the Derby Porcelain Works. With 3 children in a garden accompanied by a lamb and a cat. The boy is reclining against a tall flowery plant and holding a pipe or scoop in his hand. Simply a great antique Derby figurine...