How do I identify French porcelain figures?

Examination of the base often reveals painted or impressed factory marks, numbers or pseudonymous symbols used by workshops. The texture of the ceramic body and the style of hand-painted enamel decoration also offer clues to origin. Many nineteenth-century Parisian makers deliberately imitated earlier English or Meissen styles, meaning stylistic comparison helps determine the exact period and workshop of manufacture.

What is the difference between porcelain and earthenware figures?

Porcelain is a vitrified, hard ceramic material fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense, non-porous body that can be translucent when thin. Earthenware is a softer, opaque ceramic fired at lower temperatures. Figures made from earthenware or faience usually feature a thicker body and opaque tin glaze, whereas porcelain allows for sharper modelled details and smoother glazed surfaces.

Where should I display ceramic figures at home?

These decorative objects suit stable display surfaces such as mantelpieces, enclosed bookshelves, console tables or glass-fronted cabinets. Placement should avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight or heavy foot traffic to protect delicate painted details. Pairing matching figures symmetrically on either side of a fireplace or centrepiece creates a traditional decorative arrangement aligned with their original nineteenth-century display context.

How should I clean antique ceramic figures?

Dusting requires a soft, dry artist's paintbrush or a feather duster to remove surface particles gently without disturbing fragile extremities or applied elements like porcelain lace. Water and chemical cleaners should be avoided. Harsh liquids can damage vulnerable hand-painted enamels, gilt highlights or unglazed biscuit surfaces, particularly on older pieces with delicate historic repairs.

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Antique French Ceramic Figures

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Antique French ceramic figures bring ornamental character and colourful period charm to mantelpieces, drawing rooms and studies.

19th century

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19th Century Ceramic Pig Sculpture from Bavent in Normandy

From Whites Antiques

£900

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Samson, Paris – Porcelain Figure “Gallant with Hurdy-gurdy”, C.1880

19th century

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Samson, Paris – Porcelain Figure “Gallant with Hurdy-gurdy”, C.1880

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£300

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Taurus, the Bull, Ca 1946: Hand Modelled Animalier Sculpture by French Russian Joseph Constant B 1892

1920 - 1940

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Taurus, the Bull, Ca 1946: Hand Modelled Animalier Sculpture by French Russian Joseph Constant B 1892

From Skippings Fine Arts

£680

3+ MONTHS AGO

sculptures

19th century

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Large French Biscuit Porcelain Figures, Marked Chantilly, Late 19th Century

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£900

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Samson Porcelain Figures, "The Idyllic Musicians", Paris, C.1880, After Derby

19th century

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Samson Porcelain Figures, "The Idyllic Musicians", Paris, C.1880, After Derby

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£500

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Bavent Terracotta Cat Figure. French Folk Art Pottery Roof Tile Feline.

1900 - 1920

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Bavent Terracotta Cat Figure. French Folk Art Pottery Roof Tile Feline.

From Krave Antiques

£750

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

1900 - 1920

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Statue in Terracotta

From Rumble Antiques

£1,400

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Napoleon III and Eugenie Staffordshire Figure C1860

19th century

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Napoleon III and Eugenie Staffordshire Figure C1860

From Shaun King Antiques

£165

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Two Samson Porcelain Figures – Street Vendors, Circa 1850

19th century

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Two Samson Porcelain Figures – Street Vendors, Circa 1850

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£500

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Early 20th C. Terracotta Busts

From The Old Yard

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Listings include French ceramic figures from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, spanning Rococo Revival, Victorian and Art Deco styles.

Huge Vion & Baury French Bisque Porcelain Sculptures, Shepherd and Shepherdess, 60 Cm, C. 1870

19th century

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Huge Vion & Baury French Bisque Porcelain Sculptures, Shepherd and Shepherdess, 60 Cm, C. 1870

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£2,000

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Antique Ceramic Bisque Figures on Fishing Boat

1900 - 1920

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Antique Ceramic Bisque Figures on Fishing Boat

From The Antique Shop

£245

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Samson of Paris After Derby, Figurine of a Street Seller, C. 1850

19th century

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Samson of Paris After Derby, Figurine of a Street Seller, C. 1850

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£300

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

19th century

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Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£700

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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A Pair of Bisque Porcelain Figurines, France, 19th Century.

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£600

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Samson of Paris After Chelsea Bocage Figurines, C. 1850

19th century

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Samson of Paris After Chelsea Bocage Figurines, C. 1850

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£400

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

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Antique French Ceramic Figures

19th Century Ceramic Pig Sculpture from Bavent in Normandy

Samson, Paris – Porcelain Figure “Gallant with Hurdy-gurdy”, C.1880

Taurus, the Bull, Ca 1946: Hand Modelled Animalier Sculpture by French Russian Joseph Constant B 1892

Large French Biscuit Porcelain Figures, Marked Chantilly, Late 19th Century

Samson Porcelain Figures, "The Idyllic Musicians", Paris, C.1880, After Derby

Bavent Terracotta Cat Figure. French Folk Art Pottery Roof Tile Feline.

Statue in Terracotta

Napoleon III and Eugenie Staffordshire Figure C1860

Two Samson Porcelain Figures – Street Vendors, Circa 1850

Pair of Early 20th C. Terracotta Busts

Huge Vion & Baury French Bisque Porcelain Sculptures, Shepherd and Shepherdess, 60 Cm, C. 1870

Antique Ceramic Bisque Figures on Fishing Boat

Samson of Paris After Derby, Figurine of a Street Seller, C. 1850

Samson of Paris After Chelsea – Allegorical Figurines, C. 1850

A Pair of Bisque Porcelain Figurines, France, 19th Century.

Samson of Paris After Chelsea Bocage Figurines, C. 1850

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