How do I identify Meissen figures?

Meissen pieces often feature factory marks painted underneath the base, such as the famous crossed swords. The modelling quality and historical subject matter also provide strong clues. Looking closely at the paste and enamel work helps distinguish genuine eighteenth-century production from later revivals.

What is the difference between hard paste and soft paste?

Hard paste porcelain uses kaolin and fires at much higher temperatures, resulting in a durable, vitrified body. Soft paste relies on glass frit and clay mixtures, firing at lower temperatures. Hard paste feels harder to the touch and shows greater resistance to scratching and heat.

Where were Samson figures made?

Samson of Paris was a nineteenth-century French firm that specialised in recreating historic ceramic styles. They produced pieces in the manner of earlier factories like Chelsea and Meissen. These French reproductions often carry their own distinctive manufacturer marks alongside historic styles.

How should I display porcelain figures?

Place figures in stable cabinets away from direct sunlight to protect the enamel paints and gilding. Ensure they sit on flat, secure surfaces where they will not be knocked. Avoid high-traffic areas or spots subject to sudden temperature fluctuations to preserve the delicate ceramic structure.

What subjects are most common?

Common subjects include pastoral workers, musicians, street traders, and allegorical figures representing virtues or seasons. Animal groups, such as monkeys or dogs, also appear frequently. These themes reflect popular eighteenth-century tastes that nineteenth-century revivalists eagerly copied.