Monday, August 18, 2014

As Delicate as Lace



QUESTION: My aunt collected Dresden lace figurines for years. She died recently and left her collection to me. Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about these porcelain figurines, except that they came from Dresden, Germany. What can you tell me about them? Also, I’d like to maintain the collection and have no idea how to care for them. They seem so delicate.

ANSWER: Dresden lace figurines have captured the imagination of collectors for years because of their fragile beauty and grace. These delicate figures have been produced by many different German companies from the late 19th century to the present and shouldn’t be confused with the famous porcelain Meissen figurines.

Confusion about Meissen and Dresden porcelain has reigned for over 200 years. The Royal Saxon Porcelain Factory (now known as Meissen) first opened in 1710 in Dresden, Germany. A year later, it’s owners moved it to Meissen, Germany, where it remains today. During the 18th and 19th centuries Meissen porcelain became known as Dresden China in England, Canada and the United States. These lace Dresden figurines are completely different.

Between 1850 and 1914, as many as 200 decorating studios in and around Dresden created a "Dresden" style, a mixture of Meissen and Vienna. While some studios produced high quality pieces that outdid Meissen, others made inferior copies.

Most Dresden-style figurines aren’t as solid as those produced at Meissen. The makers of authentic Meissen figurines pressed porcelain clay into molds, making solid finished pieces. The makers of the  Dresden-style figures, on the other hand, made their pieces by pouring liquid porcelain or "slip" into plaster molds. Because the plaster absorbed the liquid near the sides, a thin wall of partially hard porcelain built up against the outline of the mold Then they poured the remaining slip out of the mold. The resulting impression was thin, hollow, and light in weight. Thus Dresden figures are less costly to produce than those of Meissen.

Meissen first introduced porcelain lace, the most distinctive feature of Dresden figurines, in 1770 as a fancy addition to the dress of some figures. Makers used small amounts to decorate collars and sleeves. In the late 19th century, various Dresden studios developed figurines in elaborately flounced lace skirts and dresses.

The lace was easy to produce. Workers dipped real lace into liquid porcelain, then cut and applied it to the figure in the desired position. During the firing process, the real lace threads burned away, leaving a replica of the mesh in the porcelain.

Dresden figurines also possess an abundance of delicate, applied flowers adorning the gowns, hair and base of the figures. Artists created these tiny leaves and flowers petal by petal, then individually applied them. Some pieces also had a hand-whipped, grouty bisque applied to the base to simulate grass or moss. The best examples appear on figures produced by the Carl Thieme Factory of Potschappel. In 1972 the company became the VEB Saxonian Porcelain Manufactory Dresden. Today, they’re the only official producer of Dresden china in Germany.

The most beautiful and sought-after Dresden pieces are the large figure groups made in the style of 18th-century Meissen. These so-called "crinoline" groups often portrayed court life and the diversions of noble people, such as playing musical instruments or doing the minuet. Avid collectors of Dresden figurines also seek groups that include animals such as Russian wolf hounds, as well as love scenes.

Many collectors love the Dresden ballerinas, each featuring tightly fitting lace tutus, as well as Spanish Flamingo dancers with their skirts of ruffled lace.

As with any antique or collectible, condition is probably the most important factor to consider. Examine the piece carefully for chips or small flakes, as damaged pieces lose 50 percent or more of their value. Because the lace is so fragile, you should expect a small amount of loss. However, be wary of pieces with large holes or breaks in the lace because it's virtually impossible to repair porcelain lace. If the piece contains many applied flowers, a small chip or two on a petal or leaf is acceptable.

The next thing to consider is quality. Do you like the face? Are the fingers slender and separated from one another? Is there much hand-painted decoration on the costume? Are the colors pleasing? How lifelike does the figure or group of figures appear?

You’ll need to take extra special care with your Dresden pieces. Because the lace and applied flowers are so fragile, use care in handling them. Keep them in a glass case or china closet to prevent them from getting dusty. If you must clean them, use a feather duster or carefully submerge them in a mild detergent and warm water. Gently pat dry the figure and blow dry the lace.

43 comments:

Unknown said...

I have a collection I want to sell near Dallas Texas but I do not know where to go.

Unknown said...

you could put it on ebay

FlamingoKisses said...

If you still have them, I would be interested in buying them all.

dabrina said...

I have some. They are small, in excellent condition. Would you be interested in seeing them? I can send photos.

Jhancock1943 said...

I have 6 of the Dresden lace figurines from Germany dated between 1865-1910. If someone could give me and estimate or their value or would want to purchase either would be great. Thanks

Jhancock1943 said...

My name is Jason Hancock. I have 6 Dresden lace figurines from Germany dated mid 1800’s - 1910. Would anyone have the ability to give me a estimate of their value and or anyone here be interested in buying them?

Jhancock1943 said...

My name is Jason Hancock. I have 6 Dresden lace figurines from Germany dated mid 1800’s - 1910. Would anyone have the ability to give me a estimate of their value and or anyone here be interested in buying them?

Jhancock1943 said...

Flamingokisses I have one large Dresden lace figurine if you do purchase them I’m trying to sell the one I have and 5 my mother has

Unknown said...

Hello I have afew that I don't know anything about, my aunt passed away and they were left for me by her. Some are damaged meaning chips from dresses and etc. Would like to see what the value is

AU-girl. said...

I have a "Dresden lace" figurine with a crown stamp on the bottom with two words underneath, in blue(one word on top of the other). I've looked all over the internet for something similar with no luck. Anyone have any ideas?

Unknown said...

I have a collection of Dresden dolls from my grandmother. If you are interested in seeing photos please email me at mariadelile”gmail.com

Unknown said...

mariadelile@gmail.com

Rita said...

Washing/soaking the dresden lace won't get damaged?

Steph13 said...

Where do you find those who would like to buy the figurines. I hv 10 from my mother and I do not want.

ABLGK said...

I am interested in your figurines. Please contact me at beverhausen79@gmail.com.
Thanks.

ABLGK said...

Do you still have figurines for sale?

ABLGK said...

I am interested. Please email me at beverhausen79@gmail.com

ABLGK said...

I am interested. Please email me at beverhausen79@gmail.com

Mrjiddysmum said...

Hi i have a large ballerina figurine , i was told she ie either meissen or dresden , and her elaborate dress is actually stiffened real lace . Would she be genuine ? On the base it is wriiten quite a few things in gold leaf , looks like a number or central figures and seperately another elaborate stamp .. but underneath the large flower shaped stamp it says .. chinaware . Nice gold leaf detail on base and ballet shoes , an elderly lady gave her to me thanks for your help. She is around 8 inches tall.and 3ven has lovely little red finger nails

Mrjiddysmum said...

Hi i have a large ballerina figurine , i was told she ie either meissen or dresden , and her elaborate dress is actually stiffened real lace . Would she be genuine ? On the base it is wriiten quite a few things in gold leaf , looks like a number or central figures and seperately another elaborate stamp .. but underneath the large flower shaped stamp it says .. chinaware . Nice gold leaf detail on base and ballet shoes , an elderly lady gave her to me thanks for your help. She is around 8 inches tall.and 3ven has lovely little red finger nails

Unknown said...

Do you still have your figurines for sale?

Myta said...

Hey My email is myta5991@gmail.com
Pls sent to me some picture
Thanks you

Myta said...

Hey My email is myta5991@gmail.com
Pls sent to me some picture
Thanks you

Myta said...

Hey My email is myta5991@gmail.com
Pls sent to me some picture
Thanks you

Myta said...

Hey My email is myta5991@gmail.com
Pls sent to me some picture
Thanks you

Myta said...

Hey My email is myta5991@gmail.com
Pls sent to me some picture
Thanks you

Unknown said...

I have a number of pre war Dresden ballerinas and the like . I can send pictures.

Also huge set of Fostoria.

Nela said...

I am interested in the Dresden ballerinas. Can you please send me pictures at nelat@bellsouth.net? Thanks

Nela said...

I am interested in the Dresden ballerinas. Can you please send me pictures at nelat@bellsouth.net? Thanks

Nela said...

I am interested in the Dresden ballerinas. Can you please send me pictures at nelat@bellsouth.net? Thanks

Anonymous said...

I have recently obtained 27 pieces of Dresden and some Dresden-like figurines. These ballet dancers, musicians, ladies, children, court life and love figurines are in the north Dallas Texas area. I would entertain a single buyer for the entire collection. Pictures available by request.

Anonymous said...

I would be interested in seeing photos of your 27 pieces and possibly purchasing your collection. My email is boybarbi@aol.com. I'm in the Houston metroplex area. Thanks! Wayne

IMB said...

Hi, could you send me some photos of the figures you've got adI can buy it?

Regards

IMB said...

Hello, could you send me some photos of your figures please as I can buy some?

Thank you

IMB said...

Hello,
If you still have some figures, please send me photos to nsav8877@gmail.com

Thank you

IMB said...

Hello, if you still have some figures for sale, please send me photos to nsav8877@gmail.com

Thank you

IMB said...

Hello, if you still have some figures please send me photos to nsav8877@gmail.com

Thank you

IMB said...

Hello, do you still have ballerina figures, if yes please send me photos to nsav8877@gmail.com

Thank you

Dresden doll sale! said...

Dresden doll collection from my grandmother needs rehoming if anyone is interested in purchasing? They’re all mint from her China cabinet. There are around 50 or so.

Anonymous said...

I have dolls for sell

Amber said...

I have a collection of them I've been holding on to for awhile now but don't know where to sell them

Anonymous said...

Pictures would be great and my email is cmg5123@gmail.com located in Texas

Anonymous said...

If you still have very interested cmg5123@gmail.com in Houston, TX