Hobbies And Interests
History
The first porcelain female figurines were made in Dresden, Germany, in 1709, the year the technique for making hard porcelain was developed. Between the years of 1740 and 1770, figurines became the rage at European courts. Between 1780 and 1900, over 1,000 porcelain factories were opened in Europe alone. Between 1850 and 1930, mass production came into existence. Many of the old factories have closed because of the high cost involved in turning out quality work. Much of the more recent pieces are mass produced.
Types
There are a few factories whose work is considered the top of the line and command the highest prices:
Dahl Jensen (1874-1960) was a Danish sculptor. He opened his own porcelain figurine factory in 1925.
Rosenthal China was founded in Bavaria in 1889. It is one of the few old companies still in existence and still making high-quality porcelain female figurines.
Royal Doulton is one of the most famous names in the porcelain industry. Royal Doulton has been in existence since 1815. It is another company still in production today.
Identification
The first thing to determine is the maker. Turn the piece upside down, and on the bottom there should be a manufacturer's mark. It will not only tell you who but where and when the piece was made. The best person to help you with an evaluation is an expert in porcelain female figurines who is also an expert in the particular manufacturer. The expert will know by sight what it is worth.
Warning
Do not shell out your money for an antique feminine figurine without getting a guarantee and an agreement that you can get it appraised. Antique dealers do not have to have any special education. Anyone can open an antique store. An appraiser, on the other hand, will have special knowledge and belong to a professional organization. While most of them are honest, they might not be right on with the evaluation. Antique female figurines difficult to evaluate because of the sheer volume available. Any reputable dealer will not object.
Potential
Due to the fact that so many of the old companies are not around any more, there is potential for all antique female figurines to increase in value. There will come a day when all but custom-made pieces are mass-produced, and a craft will be all but lost. But that will make what is left all the more desirable.