How do I clean a porcelain figure?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry artist's brush to prevent dirt accumulation in the crevices of the modelling. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners, which can damage old enamel colours and gilding. Keep the pieces out of direct sunlight to protect the hand-painted enamels from fading over time. Handle them only by the sturdy parts of the base rather than delicate applied flowers or limbs.

Are eighteenth and nineteenth-century pieces marked?

Many factories used painted or impressed marks on the underside, such as crossed swords for Meissen or anchor motifs for Chelsea and Samson. However, early pieces were frequently unmarked or bore secondary workman symbols. Absence of a mark does not preclude age or quality, as stylistic indicators and paste characteristics often provide clearer attribution.

Why are some figures unglazed?

Unglazed pieces are made of biscuit porcelain, which offers a matte, chalky surface resembling marble. This technique was favoured for highlighting fine sculptural details without the softening effect of a glossy glaze. French factories utilised this method extensively during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to achieve a classical, refined appearance.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century piece from a nineteenth-century copy?

Eighteenth-century figures typically show greater lightness in the paste, subtle variations in hand painting, and wear consistent with age. Nineteenth-century revival pieces often feature heavier porcelain bodies and brighter, more uniform enamel application. Examining the underside and the sharpness of the mould lines helps reveal the period of manufacture and the working methods of the factory.