Antique porcelain figurines

Antique porcelain figurines are a decorative object that sometimes becomes a collector’s investment. We are going to show you purchase options, which are the most valued and how to preserve our pieces to keep them perfectly, even how to restore or repair them if necessary.

Buy antique porcelain figurines

There are many options to decide for one piece or another. In the second hand market you can find cheaper figures than those manufactured new in the best known brands (Lladró, Nadal, etc.). In craft stores there are also pieces for sale to take into account. Later we will talk about those that due to their artistic and historical value move in prices even of thousands of euros.

Origin and prices of the most valued figures

If you are thinking of buying an antique porcelain figurine, you should do some research on its age and value.

There are many ways to identify the age of a figurine, such as the style and design of the maker’s mark. For example, according to the elements depicted, in the 16th century, artists began making figurines that imitated animals and humans. In the 18th century, English manufacturers reproduced a lot of rural life.

The size of the statuette is another important factor in determining its value.

Meissen figurines, produced since the early 18th century, have an excellent reputation and some sell for thousands of euros. Meissen was the first porcelain factory in Europe.

The first pieces made there can reach 6,000 euros, however, there are many particularly valuable pieces that sell for even more.

Early German figurines often featured elaborate lace details, such as the famous “Dresden Lace” series. German decorators meticulously decorated these figures. However, a Dresden lace figure can cost several hundred euros or more, depending on its condition. In addition there are some rare figures of the same type that can cost thousands of dollars.

Other pieces of high value are those of Capodimonte, an Italian company founded in the 18th century.

Sevres porcelain figurines can cost up to a thousand euros. This factory was mostly dedicated to tableware, so finding a decorative sculpture of the time (XVIII century) is less frequent.

If you are thinking of buying an antique porcelain figurine, you should research its history and style. The manufacturer of the figurine should be considered before making a final decision. Some manufacturers are famous for their figurines and are known for their high quality.

Its age and conservation are key elements in defining the price.

Antique porcelain figurine from Dresden
Porcelain figure Volkstedt by MSS Crafts

How to care for our antique porcelain figurines

If you have an antique porcelain figurine, we will explain how to clean and restore it. Also how to fix a broken porcelain figurine. There are many things you can do to keep your porcelain figurine in good condition.

We hope the tips provided will help you save money while taking care of your prized possession.

Cleaning porcelain figurines

The best way to clean porcelain figurines is to wash them with a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, you can soak the figurine in hot water for a few seconds. Always avoid scrubbing them too hard, as this can damage the delicate surface.

Before cleaning the figurines, always test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area. If you are not sure what type of cleaning solution to use, read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them exactly.

Avoid using products containing bleach or ammonia, as these chemicals can cause damage.

Never use corrosive cleaners to clean your porcelain figurines. Using ammonia or bleach to clean your figurines will damage them. Another way to protect your porcelain figurines is to cover them with a thick towel before cleaning. You can also use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris. A good option is to use liquid dishwashing soap.

Porcelain figurines are especially susceptible to dust. If not cleaned, dust can adhere to the surface and be more difficult to remove. Using a chemical dusting product can also damage the figurines, so it is best to use a microfiber cloth. If the dirt is particularly stubborn, you can use a soft brush to clean them thoroughly.

Once you have completed the basic cleaning step, you can move on to the more thorough cleaning process. To clean porcelain figurines, you can use a mild dish soap or a chamois. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the cleaning solution on a small portion of your figurine first. Once cleaning is complete, place the porcelain figurines on a paper towel to dry. For cleaning, you can use a rubber mat underneath them to support them and protect them from scratches.

Cleaning porcelain figurines

Tips on restoring our figures

Porcelain objects are fragile and can lose their original luster and detail over time. This can make them unattractive, but you can restore them to their former splendor.

A porcelain restoration service can give your figurines a new look while maintaining the original color and texture. This service will match the original finish of your sculpture, using careful brushing and choice of paint. Because porcelain is such a delicate product, restoration must be done with care. The restoration process will renew the piece without affecting its value.

Depending on the budget you have and the value of the piece, some people look for a professional to help them repair the porcelain figurine so that it can be appreciated for many years to come. It is also best to do research on porcelain repair to make sure you don’t end up ruining the piece.

If the cracked or chipped part is more than one piece, you can try reglazing your figurine with acrylic paint. However, this technique requires some skill and knowledge.

To handle them you can use bubble wrap to avoid damaging them.

Repair and repair antique porcelain figurine

How to fix and repair antique figurines

If your porcelain statuette has broken, chipped, cracked or lost some of its color, you may want to know how to repair it yourself. This technique can save you money and time. The key is to choose the right products and procedures for the repair. You will need ceramic glue, mild soap and water, and a clean, dry cloth. Be sure to use only the amount of glue recommended on the label.

To repair chips, you can use a gap-filling adhesive, a porcelain filler or a touch-up glaze. It is important to choose a filler that can be painted if you want to do so.

The glue must be strong enough to bond the broken pieces together. Loctite Super Glue Gel Control is an excellent adhesive for this purpose. This gel-based glue forms strong bonds with porous surfaces and cures without clamping.

If you don’t feel confident in your ability to fix your porcelain figurine, you can hire a professional. Whether the figurine was broken in a fall or damaged during shipping, porcelain objects can be difficult to fix, but an expert can help you fix them and make them beautiful again.

To repair a chipped statuette, you can use a porcelain putty or a gap-filling adhesive. You can also apply a touch-up glaze to the repaired figurine. However, you must be sure to use a non-toxic, food-safe adhesive. You should also choose an adhesive that will set without clamping.

We advise that before attempting to repair a porcelain statuette, you should do your research thoroughly. If you don’t have the proper training and experience, you could end up causing more damage than necessary. It is also advisable to enlist the help of an expert, as a poorly done repair could end up costing you more money in the long run, and may even ruin the value of the object.

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