How do I identify early porcelain figures?

Early figures often feature soft-paste bodies, underglaze blue or painted anchor marks, and hand-modelled details characteristic of eighteenth-century factories like Bow and Chelsea. Examining the base for kiln scars, unglazed rims, and hand-mixed enamel palettes helps distinguish eighteenth-century productions from later nineteenth-century revival styles.

What subjects are common in antique figures?

Popular subjects include classical deities, theatrical characters, seasonal allegories, and everyday street vendors engaged in trades. Victorian and Edwardian pieces frequently depict literary heroines, pastoral couples, and romanticized figures dressed in period attire.

How should I clean delicate china figures?

Dust figures gently with a soft, dry brush to remove surface debris without putting pressure on fragile elements like porcelain lace or fingers. Avoid submerging pieces in water, particularly older items with painted enamel or gilt details that can degrade with moisture.

What is the difference between porcelain and pottery figures?

Porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures until the body becomes vitrified and partially translucent, whereas pottery uses coarser clay bodies. Figures made from pottery, such as earthenware or stoneware, are opaque and typically feature heavier glazes compared to fine bone china.