Nymphenburg figurines are among the finest examples of European porcelain artistry, with a legacy spanning nearly three centuries.
The Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory, based in Munich, Germany, has created exquisite porcelain pieces that rival the world's most prestigious ceramics houses.
Among collectors and enthusiasts, Nymphenburg china is prized for its exceptional craftsmanship, hand-painted details, and distinctive artistic style that blends Baroque elegance with modern sensibilities.
In this blog, we will explore the rich history of Nymphenburg porcelain, how to authenticate and identify genuine pieces, popular figurine series, and guidance for collectors.
The History of Nymphenburg Porcelain
The Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory was founded in 1747 by Bavarian Elector Maximilian III Joseph in Neudeck, near Munich. The enterprise was part of the broader European fascination with porcelain production, inspired by the success of Meissen and other German manufacturers.
In 1761, the manufactory relocated to the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, where it remains to this day—making it one of the oldest continuously operating porcelain manufacturers in Europe.
From its inception, Nymphenburg distinguished itself through artistic excellence. The manufactory attracted renowned sculptors and modellers, including Franz Anton Bustelli, whose Rococo figurines created between 1754 and 1763 are considered masterpieces of 18th-century porcelain art. Bustelli's designs captured movement, grace, and personality with unprecedented skill, establishing Nymphenburg's reputation for sculptural brilliance.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Nymphenburg continued to evolve while maintaining its traditional, handcrafted methods. The manufactory collaborated with celebrated artists and designers, including Adelbert Niemeyer, who served as artistic director from 1906 to 1939 and created the iconic Nymphenburg porcelain lion, as well as other animal figurines that remain highly sought after today.
Unlike many porcelain houses that transitioned to mass production, Nymphenburg has steadfastly maintained its commitment to handmade, hand-painted pieces produced by skilled artisans.
Nymphenburg Figurines: The Artistic Legacy
Nymphenburg figurines encompass a wide range of subjects, from Baroque courtly figures and commedia dell'arte characters to animals, children, and modern abstract forms. The manufacturer's approach has always emphasised sculptural quality and artistic interpretation over mere decorative appeal.
The golden age of Nymphenburg figurine production began with Franz Anton Bustelli in the mid-18th century. His sixteen figures depicting characters from the Italian commedia dell'arte—including Columbine, Harlequin, and Pantalone—exemplify the Rococo style's dynamism and wit. These Nymphenburg porcelain figurines are characterised by their elongated proportions, swirling movement, and expressive faces, making them instantly recognisable to collectors.
In the early 20th century, under Niemeyer's direction, Nymphenburg expanded its figurine repertoire to include naturalistic animal sculptures. The Nymphenburg porcelain horse and lion figurines became signature pieces, celebrated for their anatomical accuracy and lifelike presence. These animal figurines often featured dynamic poses—rearing horses, prowling lions—that demonstrated both the sculptor's skill and the porcelain medium's possibilities.
Identifying Authentic Nymphenburg Figurines
Authentication of Nymphenburg figurines requires examining several key elements: the manufacturer's mark, the quality of craftsmanship, and stylistic characteristics. Given the value of genuine Nymphenburg pieces, understanding these authentication markers is essential for collectors.
Nymphenburg Porcelain Marks and Dating
Nymphenburg porcelain marks provide crucial information for dating and authenticating pieces. The manufacturer has employed a consistent marking system since its inception, although variations have existed across different periods.
The primary Nymphenburg mark is the impressed or underglaze blue shield with a hexagram pattern, derived from the Bavarian coat of arms. This mark, often called the "Bavarian shield," has been used since 1763 and remains the standard manufacturer's mark today. Early pieces (1747-1763) may bear different marks, including the earlier Neudeck marks or no mark at all.
Additional Nymphenburg marks include:
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Impressed Marks: Many figurines feature impressed marks on the base, including model numbers, year codes, and artist signatures. The presence of a pressed model number can help identify specific designs and their creation dates.
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Painter's Marks: Individual painters often signed their work with small marks or initials, typically found near the base. These marks testify to the piece's handcrafted nature.
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Year Codes: From the 1890s onward, Nymphenburg used year codes—typically impressed numbers or letters indicating the year of manufacture. Consulting reference guides on Nymphenburg porcelain marks dating can help collectors precisely date their pieces.
Condition and Quality
Authentic Nymphenburg figurines display exceptional quality in both sculpting and painting. Look for fine details, smooth glazing, and careful hand-painting. The porcelain itself should have a distinctive warm, slightly creamy white colour characteristic of Nymphenburg's clay composition.
Popular Nymphenburg Figurines and Series
Several Nymphenburg figurines and series have achieved iconic status among collectors. These pieces command premium prices for Nymphenburg porcelain at auction and through specialist dealers.
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Bustelli Commedia dell'Arte Figures: These 16 Rococo masterpieces remain the most celebrated Nymphenburg figurines. Created between 1754 and 1763, figures like "Columbine" and "The Doctor" exemplify 18th-century porcelain sculpture at its finest. Original Bustelli pieces are exceptionally rare, though the manufactory continues to produce them using the original moulds.
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Animal Figurines by Niemeyer: The early 20th-century animal sculptures, particularly the Nymphenburg porcelain lion and Nymphenburg porcelain horse, are highly sought after. These pieces showcase realistic anatomy combined with dynamic poses that bring the animals to life.
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Children and Putti: Throughout its history, Nymphenburg has produced charming figurines of children and cherubic putti (winged child figures). These pieces often depict playful scenes or allegorical themes and demonstrate the manufactory's skill in capturing youthful innocence and movement.
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Modern Art Series: In the 20th and 21st centuries, Nymphenburg has collaborated with contemporary artists to create limited-edition figurines that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. These pieces appeal to collectors interested in both historical and contemporary porcelain art.
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Court Figures and Nobility: Elegant figurines depicting 18th-century courtiers, ladies, and gentlemen in elaborate period dress remain popular. These pieces capture the grandeur of the Baroque and Rococo eras.
When considering whether Nymphenburg figurines are worth money, collectors should evaluate factors including age, rarity, condition, artist attribution, and provenance. Rare Nymphenburg figurines, particularly those by Bustelli or Niemeyer, can command significant sums. However, even later productions maintain their value due to the manufacturer's continued commitment to hand-crafted excellence.
Selling Vintage Nymphenburg Figurines at Around the Block
Are you looking to sell Nymphenburg figurines and need expert guidance? Consider Around the Block, Toronto’s premier destination for the top porcelain figurine brands, including Royal Doulton, Lladro, Meissen, Herend, Hummel, and more. As specialists in quality porcelain figurines on consignment, you can trust that your Nymphenburg collection will receive proper handling, authentication, and marketing to knowledgeable collectors.
At Around the Block, we employ only certified appraisers to evaluate our inventory of fine porcelain, ensuring that the pieces we sell are authentic and accurately valued. Whether you're interested in Nymphenburg figurines for sale or seeking to sell pieces from your own collection, our expertise in German porcelain makes us the ideal partner.
The enduring appeal of Nymphenburg figurines lies in their exceptional artistry, historical significance, and the manufactory's unwavering commitment to traditional handcrafting methods. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine porcelain, these elegant pieces offer both aesthetic pleasure and investment potential.
