5 Ceramic Animals Worth Money
Animals have an undeniable pull for many of us. Whether you just can’t get enough of cute cats, or love the exotic wildlife in nature, animals are adorable and interesting. And this might be why ceramic animals have become a wonderful collectible over the years.
While they’re a more affordable kind of collectible, they are also worth some money if you can get ahold of a rare one. Most ceramic animals are made of porcelain, but some have additions of gemstones, metals, or even glass. Let’s take a look at some of the ceramic animals worth money.
5. Mallard Duck Family Herend Figurine, $7,350
Founded in 1826, Herend started out in a small village in Hungary that produced pottery. When a new owner came around in 1839, things took a turn for the better, helping Herend in a new direction that put them as one of the biggest porcelain manufacturers in Europe.
Since then, they’ve crafted unique art and designs with their smooth white porcelain and hand-painted designs. They make tabletop dishes, accessories like cases and coasters, and ceramic animals, with some being worth over $6,000. One fine example is this beautifully created ceramic Mallard Duck family that shows the parents and two babies.
4. Silver Pheasant Rosenthal Animal Figurine, $8,698
Rosenthal Porcelain is another ceramic brand that has a rich history. While they work predominantly with the hotel industry and gastronomy, they still make several pieces that collectors can purchase, like their ceramic animals. The company was founded 140 years ago with products made in Germany, and Rosenthal works hard to create innovative and creative products.
This Silver Pheasant is one example of the many ceramic animals that can be found. It’s a highly detailed pheasant sitting on a leafy brand with blue-grey plumage and its head turned backward. For collectors of unique and valuable ceramic animals, this is a great addition.
3. Limited Edition Horse Sculpture Lladro Figurine, $24,880
Lladro began their journey in the 1950s with a passion for porcelain. Three brothers began the business making plates, vases, and ceramic figures inspired by the greats like Meissen, which is the next ceramic animal brand on the list. Since they began their journey, they’re known for their unique and diverse work, taking inspiration from nature as well as pop culture.
Not only do they still work with jewelry and dining wear, but they also work with High Porcelain, which are sculptures with the maximum qualities, expressiveness, and challenge. One such example is their beautiful steed, the Oriental Horse, which is a limited edition item. The majestic creature is inspired by the traditional art of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, specifically a design seen in the upper class.
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2. Esser Horse Limited Masterworks Meissen Figurine, $26,078
Ceramic animals can be highly detailed with or without the use of colors, and this piece shows that even with a white base, it’s still a beautiful creation. The Esser Horse is made by Meissen, one of the first European hard-paste porcelain. Experiments to create this type of porcelain began as early as the 1670s, and by the early 1700s, the Meissen manufactory was established as the Saxon royal porcelain manufactory under the patronage of Augustus II, Elector of Saxony and king of Poland.
Meissen was the dominant manufacturer until about 1750 but still is one of the leading ceramic animal figurine brands. One of their most prized works is the Esser Horse, standing 27 inches tall. It features a typical horse raising its head and preparing to gallop, with realistic details and a shiny surface.
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1. Boy on Crocodile Royal Doulton Animal Figure, $32,000
Royal Doulton holds one of the most valuable ceramic animals that you can find. The company began its journey in 1815 when John Doulton put his life savings into a small pottery operation. Now, Doulton’s company is one of the leading ceramic brands, working with some of the most legendary stars in the culinary industry like Gordon Ramsey.
While the company mainly focuses on dinnerware, they do have some outstanding ceramic animals that can be found, like this incredibly rare Boy on Crocodile figure. There are a few around with different colors, with the Flambe variation being upwards of $32,000, which was sold through Lion and Unicorn in 2022.
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