Royal Dux figurines represent the artistic innovation of Bohemian porcelain, combining Art Nouveau sensibility with exceptional craftsmanship that captivated collectors from the late 19th century onwards. Founded in 1853 in Duchcov, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Royal Dux Porcelain became renowned for large decorative figurines with flowing forms, naturalistic detail, and the distinctive soft matte glazes that set it apart from other European porcelain manufacturers.
In this blog, we will explore the history and the most collectible Royal Dux figurine styles and periods, and provide guidance for collectors interested in these distinctive Bohemian ceramics.
The History of Royal Dux
Royal Dux Porcelain was established by Eduard Eichler in Duchcov (known as Dux in German), a town in northern Bohemia. The region had a long tradition of ceramic production, and Eichler's factory joined other Bohemian manufacturers in producing decorative porcelain for both local and international markets.
Initially, the Royal Dux produced a range of ceramic wares, including tableware and decorative objects, but gradually focused on large decorative figurines, which would become its signature products.
In the 1890s and early 1900s, the brand embraced Art Nouveau's organic forms, flowing lines, and nature-inspired motifs, creating figurines that perfectly captured the movement's aesthetic. Royal Dux's designers produced elegant female figures with flowing hair and draped clothing, often incorporating natural elements such as flowers, waves, and wind-swept forms, epitomizing Art Nouveau's fusion of human figures with organic design.
Royal Dux figurines are special for both artistic design and technical innovation. The company developed distinctive glazes, particularly soft matte finishes and subtle colour palettes, which gave Royal Dux figurines their characteristic appearance. These glazes, combined with careful attention to modelling and decoration, created pieces that stood out in an increasingly crowded European porcelain market.
The early 20th century saw Royal Dux adapt to changing tastes, producing Art Deco figurines in the 1920s and 1930s while continuing to manufacture Art Nouveau designs that remained popular with collectors. The company's ability to create large-scale figurines—often 12 to 24 inches or more in height—made Royal Dux figurines impressive decorative statements suitable for prominent display in bourgeois homes.
Political changes in the 20th century affected Royal Dux's operations. Following World War II and the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia, the company was nationalized and continued operating under state control. Production continued, though artistic direction and market focus shifted under the planned economy. Following the fall of communism in 1989, the company was privatized and continues to operate today, producing both new designs and reproductions of classic models.
Royal Dux Figurines: Art Nouveau Excellence
Royal Dux figurines encompass several distinctive styles and subjects that reflect the company's evolution across different artistic periods.
Art Nouveau Maidens
The figurines most strongly associated with Royal Dux depict elegant women in flowing robes or classical dress, often with elaborate hairstyles and graceful, dynamic poses. These pieces capture Art Nouveau's idealization of feminine beauty and its emphasis on flowing, organic lines. Many feature women in interaction with nature—holding flowers, standing near water, or with hair and clothing suggesting movement from wind or water. The soft matte glazes in subtle colours enhance the dreamy, romantic quality of these pieces.
Classical and Mythological Subjects
Royal Dux produced numerous figurines depicting classical goddesses, mythological figures, and allegorical subjects. These pieces often combined classical subject matter with Art Nouveau styling, creating works that referenced historical traditions while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Decorative Busts
Large portrait busts, particularly of elegant women in period costume or classical styling, represent an important category of Royal Dux production. These substantial pieces, often 12 inches or taller, served as impressive decorative objects for mantelpieces and cabinets.
Exotic and Orientalist Subjects
Reflecting the period's fascination with exotic cultures, Royal Dux produced figurines depicting Middle Eastern, Asian, and African subjects. These pieces, while products of their time's orientalist perspectives, demonstrate the company's technical skill in rendering elaborate costumes, poses, and decorative details.
Animal Figurines
Royal Dux created naturalistic animal sculptures, particularly dogs, birds, and exotic animals. These pieces showcase the company's skill in capturing anatomy and movement in porcelain.
Vases with Figural Elements
Many Royal Dux pieces combine functional form with figural decoration—vases featuring applied figures, vessels held by sculpted maidens, or decorative objects incorporating human forms as integral design elements. These pieces blur the line between figurine and functional object, creating highly decorative items.
Art Deco Period Pieces
During the 1920s and 1930s, Royal Dux adapted to Art Deco aesthetics, producing figurines with the streamlined forms, geometric elements, and stylized approaches characteristic of that movement. These pieces represent a departure from the earlier Art Nouveau work but maintain Royal Dux's commitment to large-scale decorative porcelain.
Identifying and Authenticating Royal Dux Figurines
Authentication of Royal Dux figurines requires examining marks, quality characteristics, and stylistic elements specific to this Bohemian manufacturer.
The most recognizable Royal Dux mark is the pink triangle containing the letter "E" (for Eichler, the founder) and an acorn. This mark appears in various forms depending on the production period:
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Pink Triangle Mark: The standard Royal Dux mark features a raised pink or rose-coloured triangle, typically applied to the base of figurines. Within or around the triangle appear various elements, including:
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The letter "E" (for Eduard Eichler)
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An acorn symbol
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"Royal Dux" or "Royal Dux Bohemia"
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"Made in Czechoslovakia" or "Czechoslovakia" (post-1918)
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-Bohemia" (pre-1918, when Bohemia was part of Austria-Hungary)
Mark Variations by Period:
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Pre-1918: "Royal Dux Bohemia" or just "Bohemia"
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1918-1939: "Royal Dux Czechoslovakia" or "Czechoslovakia"
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Post-WWII: Various marks reflecting state ownership and changing political designations
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Modern production: Contemporary marks on new pieces and reproductions
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Impressed Numbers: Many Royal Dux figurines bear impressed model numbers, typically found on the base. These numbers help identify specific designs and can assist in researching production periods.
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Applied vs. Printed Marks: Earlier and higher-quality pieces typically feature the mark applied as a raised element, while later or less expensive pieces might have printed marks. The raised pink triangle mark is particularly characteristic of desirable Royal Dux production.
Popular Royal Dux Figurines and Collecting Considerations
Understanding what makes certain Royal Dux figurines more valuable helps collectors make informed decisions.
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Period and Style: Art Nouveau period pieces from the 1890s through 1910s generally command the highest prices, particularly large, well-executed examples featuring the flowing, organic aesthetic that defines Royal Dux at its best. Art Deco pieces from the 1920s-1930s also attract collector interest, though typically at somewhat lower prices than prime Art Nouveau works.
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Size and Presence: Royal Dux specialized in impressive, large-scale figurines and substantial pieces (12 inches and taller), which typically command premium prices. The dramatic display quality of large Royal Dux figurines contributes significantly to their desirability.
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Subject Matter: Elegant Art Nouveau maidens, particularly those with elaborate flowing hair, dramatic poses, or naturalistic elements (flowers, water, etc.), represent the most sought-after Royal Dux subject matter. Classical busts and mythological subjects also attract strong interest among collectors. Exotic or orientalist subjects appeal to specific collecting niches.
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Condition Considerations: Given the size and decorative complexity of many Royal Dux figurines, condition significantly affects value. Extended fingers, elaborate hairstyles, and applied decorative elements are vulnerable to damage. Pieces retaining all original elements in excellent condition command substantial premiums over damaged examples. Professional restoration can improve appearance, but it should be disclosed and affects value compared to undamaged pieces.
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Glaze Quality: The distinctive matte glazes and subtle colour work characterize desirable Royal Dux production. Pieces with well-preserved original glazes showing the soft, nuanced colour effects typical of Royal Dux are more valuable than examples with damaged, worn, or poorly preserved surfaces.
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Rarity and Unusual Models: While Royal Dux produced many models over its long history, certain designs are scarcer than others. Unusual subjects, particularly large or complex pieces, or figurines that exemplify specific artistic movements, can command premium prices.
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Mark Clarity: Figurines with clear, well-preserved Royal Dux marks—particularly the raised pink triangle—are generally more desirable than unmarked examples or those with worn, unclear marks. The mark provides authentication and helps date pieces.
Vintage Figurines at Around the Block
The appeal of Royal Dux figurines lies in their unabashed embrace of Art Nouveau's flowing elegance and their impressive scale, which makes them dramatic decorative statements. These pieces capture the optimism and artistic experimentation of turn-of-the-century Europe, offering collectors substantial works that showcase Bohemian craftsmanship and design innovation.
Whether you appreciate Art Nouveau's organic forms, classical elegance, or the sheer decorative impact of large-scale porcelain sculpture, Royal Dux offers distinctive pieces that stand out in any collection. Around the Block carries all the top porcelain figurine brands, including Herend, Royal Doulton, Lladró, Hutschenreuther, Nymphenburg, Vista Alegre, and more, making us Toronto's premier destination for fine porcelain collectibles. For more information about consigning or purchasing previously-owned Royal Dux figurines, visit our website or contact us directly.
