Figurines – What Are They?

A figurine is a three-dimensional sculpture, often in the form of a person or animal. Figurines can be made in a variety of materials, including clay, metal, wood, glass and plastic. They can be either functional, used for display in a home or church, or decorative. Historically, the term has also been applied to a doll or toy, although it is generally accepted that only articulated figures can properly be called figurines. The earliest examples are from ancient Greece, where the production of terracotta figures was very common, and later, in Roman art, where bronze came to predominate. Today, the term is most commonly used to describe a fixed-pose statue or doll, especially one that has been painted or sculpted.

The main points of articulation that most action figures share are the neck, shoulders and hips. These allow the figure to be moved in a number of ways, allowing the figure to be positioned in different poses and expressions. In recent times, there has been a trend towards more sculpted and detailed figures, with fewer movable parts. These more stylized figures are sometimes referred to as inaction figures (a portmanteau of action and figurine, coined by Four Horsemen artists to describe their Masters of the Universe figures) or staction figures (a portmanteau of statue and action, created by Hasbro to market their Marvel Legends line).

Figurines can be purchased from a number of places. Some are available in stores, such as Toys R Us and Walmart, or in mail-in offers and comic conventions. Others can be found online. They can be bought loose or in box, and may have additional parts or accessories not included with the basic figure. Some are also molded in multiple colors and have different finishes, creating variations of the same character.

Some are sculpted by hand, using modelling clay and various sculpting tools. The process takes a considerable amount of time, and the end result can be quite realistic. Some figurines are sculpted to represent specific events or people, while others are simply meant to be decorative.

The most popular figurines are those based on video games, movies, TV shows and other current or historical events. There is a large industry behind these, with many companies producing high-end statues and other items to sell in collector’s markets.

Figurines can be damaged by exposure to sunlight, which causes the paint to fade and the plastic to become soft. To help prevent this, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Figures can also be damaged by heat, which can cause them to shrink or deform. They should never be exposed to extreme cold, as this can also cause them to lose their limbs or other features. A reputable toy retailer will be able to advise on the best storage method for their products. It is also important to take care not to damage the packaging, as this can diminish or even ruin the value of the figure.