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Female (Standing Figures) Portraits in Porcelain
Queen of Sheba 1987
Elaine Lady of the Lake 1987
Elaine Lady of the Lake 1987
Elaine Lady of the Lake 1987
Elaine Lady of the Lake 1987
Elaine Lady of the Lake 1987
Desdemona
Released in 1982 as Design 4058
This limited edition of 500 copies sold out in near record time. Undeniably, Desdemona was one of the most popular sculptures created by Cybis in the 1980's. The edition was fully subscribed a few months after her release. All 500 copies were completed and the edition closed by the end of 1984. No design or color variations have been noted.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,850 $1,975
Completed in 1984
This sculpture often appears for sale on the secondary market with damage. The most common issues involve her hands. Either or both will have fingers broken or missing. Ironically, sometimes her hands will be fine, but the handkerchief made of lace will be damaged or missing. The handkerchief was not attached with glue. Cotton lace was soaked in porcelain slip and attached to her hand prior to firing. During the firing process, the cotton burned up leaving a porcelain replica of the lace handkerchief permanently attached to her hand. Touching part of a sculpture not meant to be touched will result in damage. Careless handling will result in breakage. Moving a sculpture around inside a cabinet can be an expensive lesson if it is broken during the process. Any type of damage or breakage means the value of the sculpture is worth approximately 10% of the CURRENT MARKET VALUE of a MINT Condition item. Overall lesson: Be careful and pay close attention when handling your investment.
Measures 14 1/2" tall
The brilliant Old Coin Gold accents used to decorate Desdemona's cape recall the early years of the studio's process of applying 24K liquid gold to sculptures. The artistic design and superb craftsmanship of this piece place it at the pinnacle of the studio's golden years. No other porcelain art studio produced human sculptures that even came close to the iconic and majestic Portraits in Porcelain collection by Cybis.
The gold "chain" attaching the clasps of her cape just below her neck is also often damaged. This can result if she is picked up by her neck. A misplaced thumb will snap this gold piece off easily. This sculpture should always be handled from the bottom.
Berengaria
Released in 1979 as Design 4015
Another limited edition of 500 copies that sold out in the record time of two years was Berengaria. No design variations have been noted but minor color differences have been seen.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,450 $1,975
Completed 1981
The veil hanging from her crown was created from cotton fabric soaked in porcelain slip. It was then draped in place to dry on the sculpture before firing. Once in the kiln, the cotton burned up leaving the translucent porcelain veil. Each piece had a unique hand formed veil. No two are ever exactly alike.
Measures 15" tall
The entire design on Berengaria's coat was painted by hand with the floral designs outlined in 24K gold paint.
The roped piping is an area easily damaged if Berengaria is not handled properly. These thin porcelain adornments will snap off with the slightest pressure from a misplaced finger or thumb. Copies have sold in recent years with chunks of the piping missing.
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Released in 1971 as Design 461
A limited edition of 750, Eleanor of Aquitaine was introduced to commemorate the 1968 triple Academy Award winning film, The Lion in Winter.
Issue / Completed Price
$875 $925
Completed in 1975
If this sculpture has a familiar resemblance, it's because the model used was Katharine Hepburn, whose performance in The Lion in Winter won her a third Oscar for Best Actress. She would later win a fourth, a record that stands to this day. Inarguably, Hepburn was one of Hollywood's greatest actresses. She was the only Portrait in Porcelain the studio released of a real woman where the sculpture actually bore any resemblance to the person depicted.
Measures 13 1/2" tall
Relatively simple from the back, the design is reflective of the style before mirrored displays were in vogue.
The majority of Eleanor sculptures are found with light brown hair similar to Hepburn's color. Some sculptures have heavier texture on the surface of her robe. This would likely be due to newer molds versus worn older molds not retired soon enough.
Color variations have been found in her hair and the Bible she holds. Only a few blonde copies were produced. While most of the Bibles were Old Coin Gold with inset jewels, some had the background of the cross in green as shown above on the blonde example.
The most widely known design variation is commonly referred to as the "Two Ring Version". Approximately 25% of all sculptures have two rings, one on each hand. This was not a design change early or later on, as the variation is found on sculptures numbered from low to high.
Old Coin Gold was used on the Bible Eleanor holds her in left hand. Painted in 24K liquid gold, the unique finish is a Cybis technique first introduced on sculptures in the 1950's.
Ophelia
Released in 1969 as Design 460
Completed in 1974
Ophelia as entered for production was largely unchanged from the marketing photo shown on the left. Variations are widely noted in the color and arrangement of the flowers she holds. The stems were shortened as to not extend beyond the palm of the back of her hand. The most notable difference is her lace sleeves. The early model had draped fabric cuffed at the top with scalloped edges attached to the the bottom of her sleeves. This was apparently changed prior to production as all copies are found with lace attached to her sleeves. Sadly, it is this lace that is most often damaged as 50% of the sculptures sold on the secondary market have damaged lace.
Measures 13" tall
A stunning display from behind surprises any observer. Ophelia's cinched gown was designed to add stability to the sculpture allowing her to stand alone without being attached to a base. At her waist, a porcelain bow is attached that will be easily broken if handled incorrectly. This piece should always be handled from the bottom 1/3 to avoid touching any part where pressure from fingers or a thumb will snap off delicate porcelain not meant to be touched.
Cotton lace was soaked in porcelain slip before it was attached in a gathered fashion above her wrists. Once fired, the extreme heat of the kiln burned up the cotton leaving the outline of the lace in porcelain. Extremely fragile, this porcelain will break and crumble with the slightest pressure applied by touch or from wrapping material if packed improperly for shipping.
Only slight color variations are noted in the floral bouquets between sculptures.
Ophelia was offered as a limited edition restricted to 800.
Issue / Completed Price
$650 $875
Portia
Released in 1973
An extremely popular release and a limited edition restricted to 750, Portia sold out almost overnight. She was completed in three years.
Issue / Completed Price
$825 $875
Completed 1976
This sculpture is found with damage more than 50% of the time on the secondary market. Considering the solid construction of the bottom half of this sculpture, it's amazing how often damage is observed. The lace collar and curls of hair on each side of Portia's face will be broken. This results from either improper handling or packing. It seems unthinkable anyone would choose to pick this sculpture up by her neck or head, but it happens. This is a piece that should never be "wrapped" with ANY type of packing material for shipping. Portia should always be free floated in foam peanuts when packed for shipping. This is how the studio successfully shipped thousands of sculptures around the world.
Measures 13 1/2 " tall
The flared sleeves of Portia's gown become even more dramatic from behind. When displayed with other Portraits in Porcelain sculptures, it becomes obvious an owner must use extreme caution in moving this piece around, especially inside display cabinets. Portia's sleeves extend outward to the same height as the lace on Ophelia's sleeves. No doubt a few casualties have occurred between sculptures when one was being moved next to or past another. Fragile lace is no competition for solid sections when one bumps into another. Such "casualties" result in your investment plunging to a mere 10% of CURRENT MARKET VALUES.
The lace collar on the prototype appears to be much finer lace than any found on production pieces. The lace around her neck on the prototype also appears to extend well beyond her chin.
Her lace collar and curls most often appear as shown above. Curls usually hang loosely. Each piece being hand made guaranteed variances.
Less often observed are the tighter curls forming ringlets on each side of her face. This confirms the studio's constant declaration no two pieces are alike.
While no significant color or design variations have been found, the prototype used for marketing photos shows a signature in gold (above the seal) on the decree in her right hand. The signature is yet to be deciphered.
No production copies have been found with the signature in gold above the seal. However, all production sculptures found are incised "Cybis 73" above the seal as shown above. Of course, 73 commemorates the year of Portia's release.
Other minor color variations exist. Those are likely due to firing irregularities. One Portia with blue accents was sold at auction but she was likely also a result of kiln irregularities or possibly a special order requested by a collector.
Queen Esther
Released 1974
Released as a limited edition restricted to 750 copies, Queen Esther was reduced to 650 in the spring of 1980. Her status was changed to "Completed" in 1981. Esther is a Biblical character but was never a part of the Biblical category.
Issue / Completed Price
$750 $1100
Design number 480
The initial marketing photos were of a prototype with blonde hair and blue eyes. What is not known is if the freelance artist who created and sold the sculpture designed it to be the Biblical character Esther from the Bible, or if the studio decided to introduce this sculpture as Queen Esther after acquiring it. It is likely, the decision to identify her as Esther from the Bible also resulted in giving her brown hair and eyes.
Measures 13 1/2" tall
Old Coin Gold accents using 24K liquid gold decorate Esther's crown, her brocaded collar, jeweled belt and shoes. Excluding the Bible held by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Old Coin Gold accents on Queen Esther were the first to be used to this extent since the 1950's. It certainly foreshadowed the return of this finish being widely used again by the studio to decorate sculptures.
Few to no color variations are observed among production pieces. Apart from subtle differences attributed to individual artist's techniques, no color variations are noted.
While production items lack color variations, there are three design variations widely found. These differences exist on the back of the sculpture in her hair. Multiple molded pieces comprise the design of Esther's hair. In the picture above and following, from right to left can be observed a basic form where individual curled ringlets of hair were added near her shoulders. The middle sculpture shows the ringlets replaced with molded curls. The sculpture on the left has two molded pieces added to fill out her hair.
While Esther has variations in her hair, there is no proof one design is earlier than another as these variations are randomly found across the edition of 650. This raises one question. Why? The studio allowed was flexible in allowing employees to "improvise" when necessary. While it appears the Artist's Proofs were followed by decorators in painting sculptures, the mounters in the mold department made adjustments on days when molded parts were in short supply.
Madame Butterfly
Released 1984
Madame Butterfly was introduced as a limited edition restricted to 500 copies. While popular, her skyrocketing price increases year-over-year put her beyond the reach of the average collector. After 15 years of production, she was listed on the 1999 price list as "Near Closing". The terminology, "Near Completion" used in the past is obviously different. Near Completion indicates all declared 500 copies were being or had been produced. Near Closing implies the studio would soon quit taking orders and close the edition without making all 500 copies.
Issue / Completed Price
$2,875 $6,500 in 1999
Design number 4090
The parasol, made from two separate pieces, was assembled and attached to the body of the sculpture using a boding agent. Because each individual sculpture is unique and has slight differences due to firing, the parasols were meticulously positioned for a "best" fit. The three combs (red, yellow and blue to the left of the parasol) in her hair are frequently broken or missing. This often occurs if the parasol becomes detached. Negligent handling can easily result in in severe damage to this intricate sculpture.
Measures 13 1/2" tall
A stunning piece from every view, Madame Butterfly is ornately decorated. She has streams of porcelain that must be treated with extreme caution when handling or they will be snapped off from the slightest pressure applied from fingers or a thumb.
No design or color variations have been found. The original marketing photos do not indicate any differences between the original prototype and production items.
Flowers, leaves and ribbons give this sculpture added detail in keeping with the traditional Cybis style.
Good Queen Anne
Released 1978
Initially released as an issue restricted to 750, the edition size was reduced to 550 by 1980. Good Queen Anne was completed in 1983. Editions limits were reduced for one of two reasons. Declared edition limits were adjusted due to lagging sales or production problems. The latter is likely the case with Good Queen Anne as early copies had no air hole under the bow on the back of her head.
Issue / Completed Price
$975 $1,250
Design number 4001
No design or color variations are known.
There are three points where damage is regularly noted on this sculpture. First and most often damaged is the extended pinkie on her left hand. Sculptures are listed on the secondary market with the finger reattached with glue or missing entirely. The curls of hair on each side of her face are also frequently found damaged. Lastly, the four ribbons and flowers on the back of her head are observed missing or poorly repaired.
Measures 14" tall
Most Cybis marketing material, such as catalogs, brochures and price lists contain reliable information. One noted exception relates to Good Queen Anne. A typo was made in late 1980 on the declared issue. The correct number of 550 was stated as 350, indicating another reduction had been made. This was not the case as numerous copies have been found numbered higher than 350. Several have sold in the 400 to 499 range. Obviously, this error occurred and wasn't caught during proofing. It was then carried over in subsequent documents. There is no doubt all 550 copies were made as #520 was listed for sale online at the beginning of 2025. The sculpture pictured in this section is #461 (as shown below). The fact the edition size was only lowered by 200 copies two years after her introduction would indicate lagging sales had not been a problem.
Old Coin Gold accents using 24K liquid gold paint were applied to Good Queen Anne's crown and the edges of her fan.
Note the small air hole directly below the rose. This addition to later copies indicates production issues necessitated design changes allowing air to escape during the firing process.
Lady Macbeth
Released 1975
Lady Macbeth was a limited edition restricted to 750 copies. Sales were consistent and all 750 sculptures were created with the status marked as Completed in 1984. Two limited edition downsized versions were released about 1993 titled Lady Macbeth II & III. These versions were an 11" tall copy restricted to 1,000 for $1,250 and a 10" tall copy restricted to 1,500 for $975. Few were made.
Issue / Completed Price
$850 $1,225
Design number 483
Truly one of the spectacular entries to the Portraits in Porcelain collection, Lady Macbeth was a striking sculpture that complimented other Cybis pieces or stood impressively alone. No design or color variations are known and the prototype used in marketing material appears to be identical to production items.
Lady Macbeth was the first sculpture in the Portraits in Porcelain category to have pieces attached using a bonding agent. Due to the nature of her crown and fingers, attaching the crown with porcelain slip for firing, the same visually stunning appearance would not have been achieved. This practice became more wide spread in later years.
Measures 13" tall
Old Coin Gold accents were used extensively in the decoration of Lady Macbeth. A combination of satin and glossy 24K liquid gold paint provided dimensional detail not previously seen on any Portrait in Porcelain.
This piece is frequently found for sale with her crown detached and on occasion her long braid of hair is seen broken off or repaired due to improper handling. She should always be handled near her base.
Imprudent handling can break off porcelain pieces from what may otherwise appear to be solid and sturdy components. Her hair appears to hang naturally from its own weight. Yet it will snap off if fingers apply pressure when picking her up.
The three examples above, shown together, illustrate how minor differences between each sculpture make it a unique hand made work of art. The hand positions achieved during the firing of every piece required each crown to be carefully adjusted for attachment in the completion of each item.
Elegance and sophistication define this sculpture from every point of view.
Camille
Released 1983
Camille is a sculpture Cybis collectors either find impressive and an awesome work of art or they feel she is too complicated and simply an accident waiting to happen. Restricted to 500 copies, she was similar to Madame Butterfly in that she was priced too high for most buyers. Introduced in 1983, she was still available 16 years later on the 1999 price list.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,495 $3,995 in 1999
Design number 4087
No design or color variations have been found among production models and the prototype used for marketing photos indicates no changes were made prior to Camille's release. However, there were two color variations sold at auction when the studio's remaining archives and back stock were liquidated in 2019. These likely were test pieces created to assist in determining the theme to be used on production sculptures. The purple copy on the left has no ribbons above her sleeves. She also had a ring added to her index finger (of the hand holding the mirror). One of the images posted looked as if her finger had been repaired. The ring was likely added as decoration to disguise the damage (and poor restoration).
Measures 14 1/2" tall
This sculpture is a spectacular creation of porcelain components. It is the most elaborate contribution to the Portraits in Porcelain collection. The best way to describe Camille is as "Eye Candy", because touching any part can and will result in damage. There are a total of 33 pink roses and 70 green leaves adorning the mint condition example pictured here. Gathered porcelain lace (reminiscent of the lace collar on Portia) is found under the sleeves of each arm as shown below. There are porcelain ribbons above each sleeve. In the back, purple ribbon is gathered on each side with a bow at the bottom. A white lace bow at the top will be easily destroyed with negligent handling. Tips for handling follow below.
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The only way this piece can be safely handled is to carefully examine the front and back FIRST before touching. Then using one hand, place fingers and thumb on the opposing bare front and back sides of the middle section of her skirt and lift. Once lifted, place the other hand underneath to safely carry the sculpture. Use extreme caution NOT to touch flowers, leaves, ribbon or lace.
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Be aware of where decorations are placed on the back side of this sculpture. Many owners have forgotten the ribbons on her back side when picking Camille up. Then, the snapping sound of thin porcelain....the sudden feeling of the porcelain giving way beneath your fingertips....combined with the realization your investment is now worth $0, leaves your stomach in knots. Don't let this happen to you.
The majority of Camille sculptures with damage have missing mirrors and broken fingers. This may be due to how the mirror is attached. A very minimal amount of a clear bonding agent was applied to the mirror before attaching it to her hand. Any applied pressure or unexpected contact can cause the two to separate. Her fingers are easily broken off when the mirror comes loose.
If purchasing Camille, inspect her closing prior to buying. Inspect every rose, leaf, ribbon, finger and bit of lace. Consider her curls of hair on each side of her face and check to see if the mirror has signs of glue from a previous restoration. If paying a premium price, be sure you are buying a premium piece.
Unlike many other Portraits in Porcelain, Camille was signed and numbered on the bottom under her base. Most pieces are signed and numbered where it can be seen, usually on the back near the bottom.
Dawn
Released 1962
Introduced in 1962 Dawn was available in color and white. Sold through 1966 there were no price increases for the four years she was available.
Issue / Completed Price
$75 $75 white
$90 $90 color
Design number 440
Released as an open edition, Dawn was placed in the "Personages" category and later moved to the Children to Cherish category. The studio was known to move sculptures between categories as collection descriptions changed. In Dawn's case, once Personages became the Portraits in Porcelain collection, one qualification was for sculptures to be limited editions with a declared edition size. As on open edition Dawn and two others (Robin Hood and Ballerina on Cue) no longer qualified and were moved out. A rather sensual "young" woman, Dawn can hardly be classified as a child. But her youthful appearance was enough to justify moving her (and her other open companions) to the Children to Cherish collection.
Measures 10 1/2" tall
Perhaps the flowing scarf attached to Dawn's hands, hair and back created production challenges as it appears this would be a difficult sculpture to produce. Then it is possible the piece simply did not sell well. Dawn is one of the rarest Cybis sculptures and seldom seen. Only two copies, one white and one color have been offered on the secondary market in the last 20 years.
A production accomplishment this piece handles well is the red to orange to yellow color transitions in her scarf. It would not be nearly two decades before the studio would attempt attached flowing scarfs to other pieces. Madame Butterfly in 1984 and Scheherazade in 1989 repeated similar concepts.
Perhaps one of the Cybis studio's best kept secrets is how some sculptures were "recycled" to create entirely new pieces. Common throughout the 1950's, a standard mold was changed slightly and reintroduced as a new sculpture.
Dawn was redesigned with new arm positions, a new hairdo and a set of wings. The new sculpture was introduced in 1977 as queen Titania.