Figurine Marks and How to Identify Them

Figurines are a fun addition to any home decor and they often come in a variety of styles from cute collectibles selling for a few dollars each to delicate antiques that can be worth thousands. Most figurines sold secondhand are in the inexpensive to moderate price range but a few of them have a higher value and it can be beneficial to learn how to identify those more valuable pieces.

When purchasing a figure from a store or online know the mark it has, whether stamped or impressed. Also be aware of the type of clay used for a particular item as this can affect the value. A glazed figure with a smooth surface is usually more valuable than one that is painted or decorated.

Sculpting your own figurine is a great way to get creative and show off your skills, however it can be a difficult task for beginners. There are a few basic steps to follow when creating a sculpted figure but even the most novice can create an excellent piece of art with the right amount of patience and practice.

A sculpted figure can be made out of any material but clay is probably the most common choice for beginners. There are a number of different clays available including red, white, green and pink so the first step is to choose which one you would like to work with.

Once you have selected your clay it is time to make the mold for your figure. This can be done by drawing a outline on paper or directly using your clay. The figure will need to be a specific size so that it can be easily molded. Depending on the size you may need to cut out parts of the figure in order to create the proper shape.

Figures can be stored in a box or in protective cases. If they are left exposed to sunlight they can lose their color or the paint can start to flake off and this will affect the overall appearance of the figure. They can also be damaged by being dropped or by other environmental factors.

If you want your figures to last for a long time it is important to take care of them properly. When they are cleaned they should be immersed in warm water and if any of the figures have metal components it is a good idea to use a soft brush to avoid scratching them. After the figure has been cleaned it is a good idea to put it out of direct sunlight as this can cause the colour to fade.

It is also important to keep in mind that the value of a figurine can change over time. This is due to the fact that some of them are considered rare and others were only produced in small quantities. A few examples of rare figurines include the Capodimonte figurines that have a crowned N mark and the Lladro figures that were produced with the seventh trademark which featured a revised bell flower logo.