Continental Porcelain Figurines
Antique 19th Century German Figurative Sculptures
Porcelain
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Porcelain
Porcelain
Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Antique 1780s American Hepplewhite Sideboards
Brass
Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
20th Century Danish Other Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Wall Mirrors
Porcelain, Mirror
20th Century American Art Nouveau Tea Sets
Silver
Antique 1890s English Neoclassical Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Platters and Serveware
Silver
Early 20th Century English Crystal Serveware
Crystal
Vintage 1950s French Barware
Crystal
Antique Late 19th Century German Rococo Figurative Sculptures
Porcelain
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century German Rococo Figurative Sculptures
Porcelain
Finding the Right Figurative-sculptures for You
Figurative sculpture is a modern art form in which artists create work that is typically representative of the visible world. However, sculptures that are considered to be figurative in style can definitely be inclusive of abstract elements. A wide range of antique, new and vintage figurative sculptures has been made over the years by both well-known and emerging artists, and these pieces can prove striking and provocative as part of your home decor.
Realistic representation in visual art has a very long history. And while figurative artists, whether figurative painters or sculptors, find inspiration in humans, animals and real-life objects, good figurative sculptures can make us think differently about how the real world should look. Just as figurative paintings might include Photorealistic human likenesses, they can also include elements of Surrealism and can suggest a creative and alternative reality. Figurative sculptures aren’t always realistic impressions of our world — depictions of the human form in classical Greek sculpture, for example, might emphasize beauty and physical perfection.
There are a variety of figurative sculptures on 1stDibs created by artists working in a number of styles, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, mid-century modern and more. A large figurative sculpture can introduce an excellent focal point in a guest bedroom, while smaller works might draw the eye to spaces such as wall shelving or a bookcase that people may otherwise overlook.
When decorating your living room, dining room, home office and study areas with figurative sculptures, don’t be afraid to choose bold colors to inject brightness into neutral spaces. Texture is another factor to consider when purchasing figurative sculptures. A highly textural work of ceramics or wood will catch the eye in a sleek modern space, whereas a smooth, flat glass sculpture can offer an often much-needed contrast in a room that already has many textures.
On 1stDibs, find antique, new or vintage figurative sculpture or other kinds of sculpture for your home decor today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term ceramic is a generic term that refers to something that is made of clay and solidified through heat. Porcelain falls under the ceramic umbrella, but it incorporates kaolin as an ingredient, creating a white clay. To determine if a figurine is porcelain or stoneware or earthenware, it’s best to examine it. Porcelain is somewhat translucent with a glasslike surface where there is no glaze. Shop a range of antique and vintage porcelain figurines on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell vintage porcelain figurines apart from other pieces, look on the bottom for a maker's mark. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine the approximate time when the manufacturer produced pieces similar to yours. It is vintage if your figurine was manufactured between 20 and 99 years ago. Older figurines are antique, while newer ones are contemporary. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can also assist with the dating and identification process. Shop a wide range of vintage figurines on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One thing to look for in an antique porcelain figure is to look for the maker’s mark, usually found on the bottom of the piece. The porcelain figure will also have a delicate fragile quality to it. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique porcelain figures from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The difference between porcelain and ceramic figurines is the materials used to produce them. Porcelain is a delicate white material, while ceramic tends to be heavier and varies in color depending on the type of clay used to produce it. Shop a wide range of antique and vintage figurines on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, every Fornasetti porcelain figurine is handmade. In fact, the brand produces all of their home decorative items by hand at their workshop in Milan, Italy. If you see indications that a figurine came from a factory, it is likely not an authentic Fornasetti. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
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