China figurines can be items of great beauty that can be collected for pleasure and for profit.

Many such items can also become valuable investments. They can also make beautiful gifts and virtually all tastes can be satisfied.

Such figurines can be valuable antiques or more modern, novelty items of modest value that depict a popular character or trend. In their own right, china figurines can also be a fascinating insight into social history and the development of the ceramic arts.

Many people are often confused about the difference between the terms ‘china’ and ‘porcelain.’

The word ‘china’ strictly refers to porcelain – as opposed to pottery – either made in China or manufactured in the Chinese manner. And ‘porcelain’ derives its name from the old Italian, porcellana (cowrie shell) because of its strong resemblance to the semi-opaque nature of that shell. So the general properties associated with porcelain are strength, hardness, glassiness, whiteness and a certain translucence.

But, just to confuse you a little more, you should also be aware that porcelain can either be classified as hard-paste or soft-paste. Hard-paste porcelain, the type used essentially by the Chinese, was basically copied in Europe in the early 1700′s by such famous factories as Meissen near Dresden. The beauty and craftsmanship of their china figurines has hardly been equalled.

Soft-paste porcelain, as the name suggests, was more easily scratched and chipped. Fine examples can be found in the Capodimonte figures of Italy and of the Chelsea factory in England. You can read many books on the subject of porcelain manufacture and if you intend to become a serious collector of china figurines then this will be time well spent.

A useful test to follow for all your china figurines is to hold the item up to a strong light. If light shows through the body of the figurine, it is either porcelain or a very thin stoneware. If the body does not allow light to pass through it, it can safely be classified as earthenware.

The difference between the two pastes is certainly obvious on figures. Hard-paste allows finer, detailed modelling. With soft-paste the outlines of the figures are blunter and the glaze often gathers in the crevices of the model.

But many collectors of china figurines will often be swayed more by the subject and attractiveness of a piece, rather than by the material from which it is made. I know this to be true in my own case. Nevertheless, it is my intention to focus very much on china figurines though I hope you will forgive me if I introduce the occasional item of interest, beauty or originality that does not fit into the usual porcelain mould!

REMEMBER: Whatever your preference for china figurines, a good place to start looking for items is TIAS. Reputable dealers worldwide showcase their antiques and collectibles on this established site and quality items can be purchased at very reasonable prices. It is also a fantastic place to look for gift ideas and you can sign up for their very informative newsletter. Use the search box below to find your item of interest.

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