Porcelain Monkey Figurine Value Guide
- Period
- 1920-1940
- Origin
- England
- Materials
- Porcelain, glaze, gold lustre
- Category
- Porcelain figurine
This English porcelain monkey figurine represents a transition from ornate 18th-century chinoiserie to the sleeker, naturalistic aesthetics of the Art Deco period. Highly collectible for its glossy finish and subtle gold lustre detailing, it captures the era's shift toward sophisticated yet playful ceramic artistry.
What affects the value of Porcelain Monkey Figurine?
- The preservation of the delicate gold accents on the ears and eyes significantly impacts the market price.
- The absence of hairline fractures or chips in the white porcelain body is critical for reaching the $200 valuation.
- The clarity and shine of the original glaze, which should remain vibrant and not dulled by chemical cleaning.
- Provenance or markings that confirm its English origin during the specified 1920-1940 timeframe.
How to Identify Porcelain Monkey Figurine?
- Look for the distinct gold lustre application specifically on the ears and eyes of the monkey.
- Verify the material is high-quality white porcelain with a characteristic glossy glaze consistent with 1920s-1940s English production.
- Examine the form for a naturalistic pose that favors streamlined Art Deco curves over the highly intricate details of earlier centuries.
- Check the base for potential English pottery marks or period-appropriate wear patterns on the unglazed foot rim.
History of Porcelain Monkey Figurine
Porcelain monkey figurines gained popularity in the 18th century, particularly with the rise of chinoiserie, a European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions. These figurines often symbolized wisdom, luck, or mischievousness depending on their pose and context. This particular piece, with its more naturalistic form and glossy finish, reflects a later period of ceramic artistry, likely influenced by Art Deco or mid-century modern design principles, moving away from highly ornate earlier styles towards a sleeker aesthetic.
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