For over 35,000 years, figurines have captured human creativity in miniature. Once sacred symbols, they’re now prized collectibles.
Vintage pieces aren’t just beautiful—they’re worth a fortune. Some are selling for jaw-dropping sums, proving that small art can make a big impact.
1. Meissen Great Bustard Model
This exceptional piece represents the pinnacle of porcelain artistry, crafted in the early 1730s by master designer Johann Jakob Kirchner. Despite showing signs of restoration, this unique bird figurine sold at Christie’s auction in 2015 for over $1 Million (ref).
The Great Bustard was originally created for a king’s Japanese palace, showcasing the pinnacle of Meissen’s craftsmanship with its clear glaze and lifelike details. Its astronomical value stems from both its rarity and its historical significance as one of Meissen’s earliest masterpieces.
2. Lladro Grand Adventure
The Grand Adventure stands as Lladro’s most valuable creation, featuring an intricate scene with 14 expertly costumed figures and a locomotive. This masterpiece pays homage to the golden age of steam travel, with values reaching up to $48,000.
Created by three skilled brothers working entirely by hand, this piece exemplifies the Spanish porcelain dynasty’s finest work. The size, complexity, and exceptional detail of this figurine have earned it a place in some of the world’s most prestigious museums.
3. Dresden Lace Figurines
These delicate masterpieces showcase an innovative technique where actual lace and tulle were dipped in porcelain slip before being attached to the figurine’s body. The fabric would burn away during firing, leaving behind incredibly detailed porcelain lace patterns.
Due to their extraordinary craftsmanship and fragility, well-preserved Dresden lace figurines can command prices up to $9,675. Their unique manufacturing process and scarcity make them highly sought after by serious collectors.
4. Russian Porcelain Gardner “Catcher of Fleas”
This quirky one-of-a-kind piece depicts a man grooming a boy’s hair, demonstrating that valuable figurines don’t always conform to traditional beauty standards. In excellent condition, this unique piece has been listed for an impressive $115,000.
The figurine’s exceptional value lies in its rarity and unusual subject matter. Its preservation state and distinctive design have made it one of the most valuable Russian porcelain pieces on the market.
5. Meissen Shepherd & Shepherdess Pair
These hand-painted porcelain figurines demonstrate how paired sets can multiply in value. While individual pieces are worth several thousand dollars each, the complete pair commands prices equivalent to a new luxury vehicle.
Currently listed at $38,902, these figurines showcase Meissen’s mastery of detail and composition. Their value is enhanced by their complementary design and the rarity of finding both pieces in good condition.
6. Royal Nymphenburg Figurines
Dating back to the 1700s, Royal Nymphenburg pieces featuring mythological themes and natural subjects represent some of the finest European porcelain craftsmanship. A mid-18th century Nymphenburg lady figurine has been valued between $122,800 and $184,200.
The most exceptional pieces from this manufacturer regularly sell for over $10,000, with rare examples reaching even higher prices. Their enduring value stems from their exceptional quality and the manufacturer’s centuries-old reputation for excellence.
7. Meissen “Cris de Paris” Collection
These figurines capture the essence of 18th-century Parisian street vendors with remarkable detail and historical accuracy. Each piece showcases intricate period-specific clothing and expressive faces.
Individual figures from this collection typically sell for between $15,000 and $25,000 at auction. Their value is enhanced by both their historical significance and Meissen’s reputation as one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers.
8. Hummel Ring Around the Rosie
This beloved design features four figures dancing on a single base, making it one of the most sought-after Hummel pieces. Large-scale examples can fetch between $1,250 and $5,000.
Even smaller versions of this charming scene can command prices up to $1,000. The figurine’s popularity stems from its detailed craftsmanship and the nostalgic appeal of its childhood theme.
9. Capodimonte Floral Centerpiece
This intricate Italian masterpiece features delicate hand-painted flowers and cherubs in remarkable detail. The most valuable examples from this renowned manufacturer date back to the 1743-1759 period under King Charles VII of Naples.
These pieces showcase the pinnacle of Neapolitan porcelain artistry, with particularly large and complex designs commanding prices upward of $15,000. The value increases significantly for pieces bearing the original Capodimonte mark and retaining their original painted details.
10. Lomonosov Middle Eastern Woman
This rare Russian figurine stands as a testament to early 20th-century porcelain craftsmanship. Standing just under nine inches tall, it depicts a woman in traditional Middle Eastern attire with extraordinary attention to detail.
The piece’s exceptional workmanship and clear factory markings contribute to its remarkable value of $26,290. Its rarity and cultural significance make it highly sought after by serious collectors.
11. French Ormolu & Samson Porcelain
This exquisite piece features a young girl surrounded by flowers beneath a gilt canopy. Despite its age, the figurine’s pristine condition and superior craftsmanship have helped maintain its value at approximately $5,850.
The combination of porcelain and ormolu (gilt bronze) demonstrates the height of French decorative arts. Its preservation state and the complexity of its design make it particularly valuable to collectors.
12. Chelsea Gold Anchor Period Figures
These distinctive figurines represent some of the finest English porcelain ever produced. The Gold Anchor period pieces are particularly valuable, featuring soft pastel colors and meticulously hand-painted details.
Musicians and pastoral scenes from this period are especially prized, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $20,000 depending on condition and provenance. Their historical significance and artistic merit continue to drive their value upward.
13. Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica
These botanical-themed figurines represent the pinnacle of Danish porcelain artistry. Each piece features scientifically accurate representations of native Danish flora, hand-painted with extraordinary precision.
The most valuable examples from this series can fetch prices exceeding $15,000, particularly those produced before 1900. Their botanical accuracy and artistic excellence make them highly sought after by both art collectors and natural history enthusiasts.
The world of vintage figurines represents far more than mere decorative collectibles. These masterpieces showcase centuries of artistic innovation, cultural heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the hunt for these rare treasures continues, driven by both their artistic merit and their potential investment value.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.