Art Deco Ceramic Figurine
Art deco ceramic figurine pieces capture the stylised elegance of the 1930s, offering tactile charm and vibrant character that collectors prize for any room.
Art Deco Ceramic Figurine
An art deco ceramic figurine brings the dynamic geometry and spirited character of the 1930s straight into a room. These objects take the form of decorative figures, trinket boxes, and powder box bowls that reflect the distinctive aesthetic of the period.
The selection centres on earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain creations originating from French and English workshops. Buyers encounter expressive studies of figures, including seated infants and iconic flapper women, modelled with distinct period charm.
How they were made
Maker's hands shaped these pieces from earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and ceramic bodies. Artisans applied rich glaze finishes to seal the clay and provide depth of colour.
Art Deco Ceramic Figurine Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco ceramic figurine among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Even a powder box bowl managed to channel the rebellious spirit of a 1930s flapper girl.
What varies in quality
The finesse of the modelling and the precision of the glaze application separate the finer examples from ordinary work. Artisans who achieved crisp facial expressions and balanced proportions elevated the status of the piece.
Studio pottery pieces often display distinct artistic intent in their hand-painted decoration compared to mass-produced counterparts. The integrity of the ceramic body and the preservation of the original glaze determine the overall character.
Berthe Savigny·HB Quimper·Charles Vyse
The Art Deco Ceramic Figurine Glossary
- Earthenware
- Porous pottery fired at lower temperatures, commonly used for traditional ceramic figures and glazed vessels. It requires a glaze to become entirely waterproof.
- Stoneware
- Dense, vitrified pottery fired at higher temperatures that results in a sturdy, non-porous body. This material allows for robust figures with durable surfaces.
- Porcelain
- A fine, translucent ceramic material made from clay containing kaolin. It permits delicate modelling and smooth, glossy finishes.
- Glaze
- A vitreous coating fused to ceramic surfaces through firing. It adds colour, shine, and impermeability to the piece.
Art Deco Ceramic Figurine: Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are used?
Makers utilised earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and ceramic bodies to construct these figures and powder boxes.
Surface finishes typically rely on applied glazes to provide colour and texture.
How do I date them?
Stylistic cues from the 1930s, such as geometric motifs and characteristic flapper dress, point directly to the era.
Signatures, stamps, and maker marks on the underside also help establish provenance.
Where were they made?
Origin points span French workshops and English studios, reflecting diverse regional approaches to ceramic design.
Potteries in locations such as Quimper contributed notable stoneware output during this period.
How were they used?
Many served as decorative ornaments on dressing tables, mantelpieces, or display cabinets.
Powder box bowls combined sculptural appeal with practical storage for cosmetics and trinkets.