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Ballerina Red Shoes "In the Spotlight"
Released in 1960 as Design 428
Retired in 1967 both white & color
Retired in 1967 both white & color
The first child released for the new decade was a depiction of a young girl dancing ballet. The picture above is from Cybis marketing material which was likely an early model. All sculptures known to exist have been found attached to a wooden base. The sculpture was apparently in need of additional stability, therefore the base was added. This obviously did not take place until after the initial photography of the early model. Without the base, sculptures were easily tipped over and damaged. No known design variations have been found and only minor color variations have been noted.
Finishes
Can be found in:
- Parian color bisque
- Parian white bisque
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $65 $75 in 1967
White $50 $60 in 1967
Retired in 1967 both white & color
Retired in 1967 both white & color
Retired in 1967 both white & color
While the ballerina was offered in both color and all white bisque, the sculptures in color used muted pink tones to accentuate the red accents applied to her shoes. Color versions have been seen with either two roses painted at the top of her dress or a single rose on her left. The all white version had absolutely no painted features or surfaces.
Measures 10 1/2" tall
Retired in 1967 both white & color
Measures 10 1/2" tall
Parian White version
Back view of color sculpture
Measures 10 1/2" tall
White version with base removed. Bases were attached using a commercial grade adhesive. A sculpture without the wooden base would not be considered "original", even if the porcelain remained undamaged.
Rose variation
Back view of color sculpture
Back view of color sculpture
This example has a minor color variation. Only a single rose appears at the bottom of her left shoulder strap. Most examples found have a rose on each side.
Back view of color sculpture
Back view of color sculpture
Back view of color sculpture
The back view of this sculpture shows the additional support added as part of the porcelain mold attaching her foot to the base. This piece was an excellent demonstration of balance that can be achieved in porcelain sculpture. With the lack of a larger attached porcelain base, the piece could easily fall over if bumped, thus the addition of the handsome wooden base.
Cinderella
Released in 1960 as Design 429
Retired in 1967-white & 1968-color
Retired in 1967-white & 1968-color
The second child released for the new decade was a depiction of Cinderella before the ball. It is possible the sculpture pictured above was a prototype and never produced. An initial "model" was often created and photographed for marketing purposes. Once production began, changes were often made and the original design/prototype was never actually released as shown in the published marketing material.
Finishes
Can be found in:
- Parian color bisque
- Parian white bisque
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $75 $75 in 1968
White $60 $60 in 1967
Retired in 1967-white & 1968-color
Retired in 1967-white & 1968-color
Retired in 1967-white & 1968-color
Because the earliest examples found to date have the dark red blouse, it is likely the piece in this picture had a dark red blouse. Also seen in the black and white picture, her skirt appears to be equally dark, but perhaps not red. Her hair color appears light, so this example may have been blonde. Having been released in 1960, Cinderella could have been created and under development as early as 1958, but 1959 at the latest to ensure a 1960 release.
Measures 7 1/2" tall
Retired in 1967-white & 1968-color
Measures 7 1/2" tall
The outlined areas noted above show three places where later versions differed greatly. The piece shown had a floral print on her apron, the broom has no brush cap where the shaft/handle joins the bristles and the binding strings around the brush/bristles are the same color as the brush. The earliest production pieces found have a brush cap, darker binding strings, aprons with no design or print and a lighter skirt. If the first sculptures released were modeled after the copy in this picture they would be considered extremely rare. It is likely the piece pictured was the only one produced and may have been sold marked A.P. (artist's proof) by the studio in later years as archives were liquidated.
Early red variations
Blue Variations-floral print
Measures 7 1/2" tall
Two known red variations exist based on documented sales.
The sculpture on the right was likely one of the first ever produced as part of the initial production run (or first few runs). This piece introduces the first design variation and three color variations. Similar to the piece in the marketing material she has blonde hair and a plain red blouse. Her apron has no print while her skirt is lighter in color. The modified broom has the brush cap and darker binding strings.
The sculpture on the left contained the next set of color variations. This Cinderella version has light brown hair. The broom handle and binding strings are noticeably darker, as is her blouse. In this variation the brush cap is not painted the same color as the handle. Her blouse sports a floral print similar to that shown on the apron in the original sculpture.
Transition from red to blue
Blue Variations-floral print
Blue Variations-floral print
The variations above show the next rendition of Cinderella wearing a dark blue blouse, a pink hair ribbon and much darker hair.
While the red versions are not found as frequently as the blue versions, red copies are available periodically. A myth about the red versions declares, "The first/initial run of Cinderella sculptures made were 30 red copies. All copies after that were blue." A quick review of past Cinderella sales (by mid 2024- according to Worthpoint) lists 32 sculptures sold. Of the 32 sold, 25 were blue and seven (7) were red. Every fourth copy sold has been red. Listings that state "RARE ONLY 30 MADE" may have an appeal to buyers who place blind faith in seller descriptions but there is no proof only 30 red copies were made. It's likely 100 or less were made. It is purely speculation as to why the studio switched from red to blue, but one issue is red is a more difficult and expensive color to use as a primary color on porcelain. The firing process can produce off color items that fail quality controls. It is harder to use as a primary color rather than an accent. The fact two versions of the red sculpture exist dispels the "only 30 made-all part of the initial run" theory. The studio wouldn't introduce a variation in the middle of the first/initial run.
Blue Variations-floral print
Blue Variations-floral print
Blue Variations-floral print
The next variations are again obvious differences. Cinderella's hair is much lighter. Alone it would appear light brown to a sandy blonde, but next to her forerunner she appears more blonde than brown. Her blouse also received a refresh. The blue is a lighter shade and the floral pattern has an open print showing only the outline of the leaves. The previous floral design had fully painted leaves that hinted at a fleur-de-lis pattern. A slight difference is noted between the brush caps on the broom, but as those were each hand crafted and attached with slip prior to firing, this would not constitute a variation. Some brush caps are tall and tube shaped while others are flat and coin shaped.
Variation-floral to diamond pattern
Variation-floral to diamond pattern
Variation-floral to diamond pattern
The next variation, while noticeable, was a bit more subtle. It incorporated a design change with a color change. Again Cinderella's blouse was redesigned. Hand painting the floral design, which incorporated three individual leaves on each stem, was very time consuming. The next rendition saw a mold change where the body of the blouse had a pattern molded into it. These raised mold designs made it easier for an artist to decorate the blouse.
Back view of redesigned blouse
Variation-floral to diamond pattern
Variation-floral to diamond pattern
The redesigned blouse is now a button up with a prominent pattern and buttons actually molded into the body. While busier looking, the straight lines and dots would've been faster to paint as opposed to the individual floral designs. Also worth noting is the stool she's sitting on. Minor color variations are found, likely due to individual artist's techniques.
Diamond pattern variations
Variation-floral to diamond pattern
Diamond pattern variations
The final variation is another change to her blouse. A lighter shade of blue was selected. Also added to this last rendition was a dark outline around the lower edge of her collar giving the appearance of a border. This would have been the last change before Cinderella was retired in 1968. The all white bisque copy was retired a year earlier in 1967.
Variations from back
Five Cinderella variations at-a-glance
Diamond pattern variations
From the back differences are noted in her hair color and texture as well as ribbon color. It also shows additional variations in the brown color of the stools.
Cybis signatures
Five Cinderella variations at-a-glance
Five Cinderella variations at-a-glance
The Cybis signatures and hallmarks used on this sculpture vary widely. Cinderella's lifecycle started with development in the late 1950's. Production started by the end of 1959 (in order to ship items in 1960) through 1968. This ten year span saw the studio's continued evolution of hallmarks and signatures. Cinderella is found with the standard Cybis signature without a (C) copyright mark, standard signature with (C), stamped 2nd version Cybis signature and the incised block letter CYBIS imprint alone. Early models are also found with #429 written in pencil on the bottom near the Cybis signature.
Five Cinderella variations at-a-glance
Five Cinderella variations at-a-glance
Five Cinderella variations at-a-glance
This group displayed together makes it easy to see the numerous variations introduced during Cinderella's production cycle.
Heidi
Released in 1962 as Design 432
Retired in 1965-white & 1973-color
Retired in 1965-white & 1973-color
Heidi is shown above in what is likely an early pre-production model. She stands on a thin small round base. This base may have proved unstable, becoming easily separated from her feet. For the studio to have determined this early during Heidi's development would explain why all examples found have thicker bases with a tree stump attached to Heidi's skirt.
Finishes
Can be found in:
- Parian color bisque
- Parian white bisque
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $60 $165 in 1973
White $40 $40 in 1965
Retired in 1965-white & 1973-color
Retired in 1965-white & 1973-color
Retired in 1965-white & 1973-color
In this sculpture, Heidi has the thicker base, attached tree stump, dark colored shoes and a dark hair bow. Also, a repositioned bouquet has been shifted from held in her hand to being cradled in her arm.
Color variations are found in her hair, her shoes and her floral bouquet. The only design variation apart from the preproduction model was a revision to the tree stump. Later versions had no leaves.
Measures 7 1/2" tall
Retired in 1965-white & 1973-color
Measures 7 1/2" tall
Earliest editions have leaves on the tree stump. Later, the leaves would be removed for faster and easier production. Dark shoes are found on sculptures with both tree stump styles. For sculptures with the light pink shoes tree stumps are found with no leaves.
Variations of stump
Color variations in hair and flowers
Measures 7 1/2" tall
Tree stumps with leaves are seldom seen.
Variations in shoe colors
Color variations in hair and flowers
Color variations in hair and flowers
Perhaps the Heidi in white shoes was to be an Easter release, but the majority were dark followed up by light pink.
Color variations in hair and flowers
Color variations in hair and flowers
Color variations in hair and flowers
From blondes to brunettes (and even a redhead) and plain to colorful flowers, Heidi is found in five color variations.
Left side view
Right side view
Right side view
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Right side view
Right side view
Right side view
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Heidi varitions
Right side view
Heidi varitions
The majority of Heidis on the secondary market have dark shoes, as the final color variation with light pink shoes was introduced late in the sculpture's lifecycle .
Springtime
Released in 1963 as Design 427
Released in 1963 as Design 427
Released in 1963 as Design 427
The marketing photograph used at Springtime's release would initially indicate no variations when compared to the earliest items sold. However, the sculpture pictured above shows a long strand of ribbon hanging below her hand. No examples with ribbon styled this way are known to exist. The ribbons end with one section bunched up in her hand and the other one ends just short of her palm.
Finishes
Produced in color only
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $35 $45 in 1969
Retired in 1969
Released in 1963 as Design 427
Released in 1963 as Design 427
All first run Springtime sculptures were blonde. The flowers in her lap were blue on the outside and white inside with yellow centers. All blonde pieces found have the ribbon applied the same as shown in the picture above. The ribbon appears to be wrapped around her ponytail forming a loop with the two ends cascading over her left shoulder.
Measures 5" tall
Released in 1963 as Design 427
From a blonde to a brunette
Due to the fact all porcelain sculptures are hand made, painted and then fired, no two are ever exactly alike. Often molds shrink and stretch, so slight variations in sizes are to be expected. In the case of Springtime all Cybis publications indicate she is 5" tall. The three sculptures pictured in this section measure between 4 1/2" to 4 3/4" tall.
From a blonde to a brunette
From a blonde to a brunette
From a blonde to a brunette
The first variation incorporated a design change and two color changes. Her hair ribbon was revised to completely circle her ponytail. She became a brunette and the color of her flowers were also changed.
Hair ribbon variations
From a blonde to a brunette
Hair ribbon variations
While the change to the color of her hair is the most obvious in the first variation, some models with darker hair almost appear to be redheads or auburn, at least. This was not likely intentional but probably a result of how the artist mixed the paint along with firing conditions. Most Springtime brunettes sport this color of brown though some may be a shade lighter while others are darker.
Third variation
From a blonde to a brunette
Hair ribbon variations
In this third variation the hair ribbon was adjusted so the loop was higher on her ponytail. Her hand position was elevated and moved away from the bow on her neckline. This was more in line with the early model in the marketing photo. This appears to be intentional as her hand is either found directly in front of her bow or raised closer to her shoulder.
Brunette hair ribbon variations
All ribbon variations at-a-glance
All ribbon variations at-a-glance
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All ribbon variations at-a-glance
All ribbon variations at-a-glance
All ribbon variations at-a-glance
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Springtime Trio
All ribbon variations at-a-glance
Springtime Trio
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Alice in Wonderland
Released in 1964 as Design 431
Retired in 1965-whte and 1969-color
Retired in 1965-whte and 1969-color
The original sculpture photographed for the studio's marketing material had lace trim on Alice's sleeves and skirt. Her hair appears to be blonde.
Finishes
Can be found in:
- Parian color bisque
- Parian white bisque
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $50 $60 in 1969
White $40 $40 in 1965
Retired in 1965-whte and 1969-color
Retired in 1965-whte and 1969-color
Retired in 1965-whte and 1969-color
It's likely Alice had pre-production modifications as well. The first Alice released had narrow lace trimmings applied to the outer edge of her apron. Early sculptures with this style of lace were generally blonde.
Measures 5 1/2" tall
Retired in 1965-whte and 1969-color
Measures 5 1/2" tall
Slight differences noted in hand positions are due to firing and would not constitute a design variation. This particularly odd color of blue should not be considered a color variation even thought it deviates from the standard lighter blue most often found. This color difference is also likely due to the same kiln issues that resulted in the odd hand position. Both length of firing time and kiln temperature can have unplanned affects. Quality control often culled pieces such as this to be destroyed. This one escaped not being judged unfit and was ultimately shipped in spite of its rather garish appearance..
Back view
Lace and hair color variations
Measures 5 1/2" tall
Lace and hair color variations
Lace and hair color variations
Lace and hair color variations
Rebecca
Released in 1964 as Design 443
Released in 1964 as Design 443
Released in 1964 as Design 443
Rebecca is one of the few children sculptures found where no design variations were introduced. All copies produced were accurate representations of the marketing material originally released.
Finishes
Can be found in:y
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $65 $110 in 1972
Retired in 1972
Released in 1964 as Design 443
Released in 1964 as Design 443
The overall design of Rebecca makes her a piece that can be handled easily. Yet numerous sculptures are found with damage to her hands and/or the flowers.
Measures 6 1/2" tall
Released in 1964 as Design 443
Measures 6 1/2" tall
Measures 6 1/2" tall
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Variation in color of flowers
The only known variation for Rebecca is a color variation in the flowers. Only a few have been noted in white with yellow centers. This minor difference was likely introduced shortly before Rebecca was retired as it is a seldom seen variation.
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Robin Hood
Released in 1964 as Design 444
Retired in 1966-whte and 1967-color
Retired in 1966-whte and 1967-color
Marketing photo used at introduction. No design variations noted.
Finishes
Can be found in:
- Parian color bisque
- Parian white bisque
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $95 $95 in 1967
White $75 $80 in 1966
Retired in 1966-whte and 1967-color
Retired in 1966-whte and 1967-color
Retired in 1966-whte and 1967-color
Robin Hood by Cybis depicts an older boy on the verge of manhood. This second male child released as an open edition has not been found with any design variations. The original sculpture in the black and white marketing photo would indicate the brown edition was likely first released. Robin Hood's colors were revised to green soon after his release as the majority found are green.
Measures 10 " tall
Retired in 1966-whte and 1967-color
Measures 10 " tall
While no design variations have been noted, a couple of minor differences exist in the painted details between the brown and green versions. As seen on the green example, one line was added to the belt securing the scabbard which holds his sword. This is not present on the brown copy or the black and white photo. Also the foliage next to the stump has dark outlines accenting the leaves on the brown versions.
Measures 10 " tall
Sculptural design is the same for both colors.
The green version also had two painted straps added attaching the horn to his belt. These straps were not present on the brown version but the horn was accented in dark brown.
Pandora
Released in 1967 as Deign 454
Released in 1967 as Deign 454
Released in 1967 as Deign 454
The original marketing photo shows Pandora similarly as she would be released in production. The only known design variations are in her hairbow and the box lid. Early sculptures have bows with larger loops that lay flat while all others have loops that stand up. Older copies have boxes decorated in gold with no jewels. Otherwise, only very slight color variations have been observed.
Finishes
Produced in color only
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $75 $265 in 1983
Retired in 1983
Released in 1967 as Deign 454
Released in 1967 as Deign 454
While Pandora's basic design remained largely unchanged over the 16 years she was in production, there were a few minor variations. Her bow was redesigned, as was the box she held in her lap. Her hair colors range from obvious blonde to a light brown. Earliest sculptures have solid blue shoes but most are found in lighter blue with a dark blue outline at the top of the slipper.
Measures 5" tall
Released in 1967 as Deign 454
Measures 5" tall
The second variation had a redesigned bow reflective of early marketing photos. The box lid was reshaped adding the jewel designs and the color was changed on her shoes.
Pandora in Blue
April - Completed in 1984
Measures 5" tall
This event piece, Pandora in Blue, was available for sale only at dealer/gallery events during the 1970's. The only difference was her dress color was changed from pink to blue. This item is thought to be an unnumbered edition limited to 200 copies. It is not known if all 200 were sold. It is quite possible the studio received orders for fewer than 200 as this version is very rarely seen on the secondary market.
April - Released in 1983
April - Completed in 1984
April - Completed in 1984
This limited edition event piece was created using the Pandora mold. She was available during 1983 with orders carried over for production into 1984. Each piece was numbered with the restricted edition size declared to be 400 sculptures. The example pictured here is #279 and is dated 5-13-84. If all 400 sculptures were created it is possible production carried forward into 1985.
Finishes
Produced in color only
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $345 $345 in 1984
April - Completed in 1984
April - Completed in 1984
April - Completed in 1984
Pandora in Purple - Artist's Proof
Pandora in Purple - Artist's Proof
Pandora in Purple - Artist's Proof
This sculpture was likely created as another event piece, which may have or may not have been issued. It is marked AP on the bottom indicating it was an Artist's Proof, possibly sold from the studio's archives once it opened to the public.
Pandora in Purple - Artist's Proof
Pandora in Purple - Artist's Proof
The surfaces of her dress and shoes are all glazed, a departure from the standard Cybis finishes after the 1950's. The dress as well as her bow are trimmed in gold.
Pandora in Purple - Artist's Proof
The jeweled box is purple with minor color variations, primarily noted in jewels on the lid.
Differences found in the hairbows on each variation are shown clockwise. First release at the top shows the bow's loops laying flat and ribbons somewhat curled. The next variation was the style used until production ended with the loops of the bow standing up and short ribbons. The bottom variation has gold trim on the edges of the bow. The variation on the left (April) has flowers replacing the bow.
Minor size differences are likely due to kiln conditions during firing.
Ballerina Little Princess
Released in 1968 as Design 457
Released in 1968 as Design 457
Released in 1968 as Design 457
The sculpture used for the marketing photography showed Little Princess on a wooden base. However, few were sold including the base. Color variations have been noted on the porcelain base (where her feet are attached), in the color of her hair and the finish on her crown. The picture above shows the crown is attached to her hairband. She was redesigned with the hairband removed prior to or shortly after production began. None have been found on the secondary market with a hairband.
Finishes
Produced in color only
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $125 $125 in 1970
Retired in 1970
Released in 1968 as Design 457
Released in 1968 as Design 457
Subsequent marketing material presented the sculpture without the wooden base. Due to firing difficulties, few have been seen where her hand actually touches the balance barre. The design of the piece presented production problems. With only one foot fully attached to the base, the toe of the other and her arm touching the barre, there were likely many kiln casualties and the decision to end production after only two years is easily understood.
Measures 10" tall
Released in 1968 as Design 457
Multi-color base on wooden stand
Zoomed image of first picture showing the hairband under her crown. The only other child with a hairband was Alice in Wonderland, who retained her hairband throughout her production.
Multi-color base on wooden stand
Back of standard production model
Multi-color base on wooden stand
Back of standard production model
Back of standard production model
Back of standard production model
Typical green surface on base
Back of standard production model
Back of standard production model
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