Golden Artistry: Elevate Your Space with Gold Sculpture Collectibles

Gold is one of the most malleable metals in existence. It can be forged, embossed, engraved, and inlayed. It can also be gilded onto other materials.

In the art world, gold is a symbol of power and wealth. Historically, it has been used for religious and cultural purposes. Today, artists use it as a sculptural material to make kitschy works of pop culture and banal vernacular objects.

Meissen

The aristocracy of the time prized porcelain figurines as a status symbol, and these pieces could communicate everything from their level of scholarship to military prowess. One of the most popular figures was the Harlequin, a character from Qua tang sep the Commedia dell’Arte, who got up to all sorts of hijinks.

Augustus’ patronage attracted some of the finest modellers and painters in Europe to Meissen. Chief modeller Johann Jakob Kandler produced a range of animal figures which are still celebrated for their lightness, grace and humour today.

Meissen also developed a range of vases and urns, which showcase the company’s artistic versatility. Collectors can find pieces that are neoclassical in their precision as well as others with the creativity of the Schneeballen design. Meissen’s urns often feature European scenes derived from seventeenth century painting as well as hunting and genre motifs. These vases and urns display Meissen’s mastery of traditional porcelain techniques with gilded and ormolu mounts that elevate their aesthetic value.

Sevres

Sevres figurines and statues are considered among the most unique and delicately decorated pieces made of porcelain. They are typically figural representations of people and can be worth hundreds of dollars depending on their condition. The figurines are glazed with clear glaze and often have gilt details.

The first Sevres porcelain was introduced in 1740 when the Manufacture de Vincennes was founded on the edge of Paris. The factory quickly became innovative, introducing the first shades of turquoise (bleu celeste) and royal blue that would become its hallmarks.

The pieces appealed to rulers, including Napoleon Bonaparte, who purchased a service for his Tuileries palace. In fact, one of the pieces in this service was a beautiful sugar bowl that showcased the factory’s virtuoso gilding.

Choson Period Korea

The Choson Period (July 1392 – August 1910), which succeeded the Goryeo dynasty and was the longest-lasting Confucian kingdom, shaped modern Korean notions of social status and ritual practices. It was a classist society that embraced neo-Confucian traditions that originated in China, and it was also a place where earlier historic Korean traditions could continue to be practiced privately.

The sculptures of the period depict animals and birds in natural poses with their heads down and often have long, straight noses that suggest Central Asian influences. They also bear a similarity to the wooden masks that were used in traditional mask dances.

The Choson Period saw vigorous trade with the Arabians, Chinese, and Japanese for silk, brocades, ginseng, and porcelains such as the blueish-green Goryeo wares. These objects reflect the cosmopolitan culture of the time that also included Buddhism, shamanism, and geomancy among the practices of its people. The Choson era was the first in Korea to experience institutions of modernity such as museums.

Leopard figurines

Leopard figurines and statues add a touch of stealth to any home. This spirit animal is often a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and can help you heal wounds from the past. It is also a reminder to stay present and focus on the now.

Figurines are small sculptures that usually depict a particular subject matter. Typically, they are used as decorative items, though they may be functional. Animal figurines are particularly popular, and they are sometimes used as toy toys for children.

The value of a figurine depends on its design and manufacture. Antique pieces are often more valuable than modern ones, but the brand can have an impact as well. For example, a porcelain figurine by Lumonosov that shows a woman in traditional Middle Eastern dress can sell for thousands of dollars. Some Hummels are also quite valuable. These are usually made with exceptional detail and are clear of any china marks. They are also usually in excellent condition.