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Male Portraits in Porcelain (page under construction)
Buccaneer
King Solomon
Released 1987
King Solomon, companion to Queen of Sheba, was released as a limited edition restricted to 500 copies. The studio would later declare an additional 50 copies for distribution outside the continental U.S.
Issue / Completed Price
$2,695 $3,795 in 1999
Design number 5044
The marketing brochure from the Fall of 1987 is the only official photograph the studio released of King Solomon. The only notable difference between the prototype and production items is the position of his scepter. A bonding agent was used to attach the gold painted porcelain part to the body of the sculpture.
Measures 15 1/4"
No design variations are known to exist. Only very minor color variations (likely due to kiln conditions) have been noted.
Primary damage most often observed on King Solomon is to fingers on his extended right hand. The scepter is frequently found separated if not missing when the sculpture is offered on the secondary market. If the sculpture has no damage other than the scepter having become loose, this does not hurt the value. A small amount of common adhesive can be used to reattach the scepter to his hand and waist.
Liquid 24k gold paint was applied to his crown, necklace and scepter using Old Coin Gold accents. A few later pieces have been noted with a dull gold finish unlike the earlier pieces with the typical brilliant finish.
Hamlet
Released 1965
Hamlet was introduced as a limited edition restricted to 500. He was completed in 1974.
Issue / Completed Price
$350 $950
Design number 446
Measures 12" tall
Initially issued with a wood base, most have long since become separated and lost. It is rare to find a copy with the original accompanying base.
The marketing photo released in 1965 indicates there were no design variations to the production release.
Numerous color variations have been documented. While no design variations are noted, the original marketing photo indicates his tunic was considerably darker, as were his shoes, while his sash was much lighter. No copies have been found with a dark tunic which would imply the colors were changed prior to the edition's initial release.
The standard production item is shown above. The gold accents will vary from matte to glossy.
Perhaps Hamlet is such an iconic sculpture people handle him with greater reverence. It has been rare for a Hamlet to appear on the secondary market with damage.
Richard the Lionheart
Released 1982
Released as a limited edition restricted to 350 copies for U.S. distribution with 35 copies outside the U.S. added some time after 1986, Richard was completed after the year 2000.
Issue / Completed Price
$2,300 $4,975 (on the 1999 price list)
Design number 4077
Richard the Lionheart was issued as a companion sculpture to Berengaria (1979). He was the first male sculpture the studio issued depicting a member of secular royalty. This sculpture was captivating and would have likely sold out much sooner if it had not seen such hefty price increases. Also it is important to note this sculpture was assembled from three individual components. Richard, his sword and the chalice in his right hand were three separate pieces. The sword and chalice were attached using a bonding agent that separated easily. More than a few of these were damaged during the unpacking process after arriving at the receiving merchant's store. This issue certainly affected a merchant's future orders.
Measures 15" tall
A review of secondary market sales over the last 25 years indicates 50% of the Richard's offered had some form of damage. It is not uncommon for negligent handling to result in his sword or chalice becoming separated. Often his fingers get broken off at the same time. Numerous sculptures have been offered for sale missing either the sword or the chalice or both. If these items become separated without damaging any porcelain, they can be cautiously reattached using a small amount of clear adhesive. If done properly it does not affect the value but should be disclosed if selling the piece.
Production items found so far have no variations from the marketing photo above.
At least one color variation was created but likely never released to production. This unique piece sold at auction when the studio liquidated its remaining archives at auction in 2019.
While no design variations are apparent the obvious application of additional gold on the back of his royal robe is striking on the sage green background. This color combination would've been well received but would not have worked well pairing with Berengaria.
Clearly a bit more blingy, this color combo shows far more of the Old Coin Gold in the crown, chalice and on the sword.
Richard's official companion was Berengaria as stated previously. Both were sold separately. However, he also displays nicely with Queen Guinevere.
Othello
Released 1984
Othello was introduced as a limited edition restricted to 350 copies. The edition appears to have finally sold out and closed after 1999. The sculptured used in the marketing photo indicates the production model released had not design or color changes from the original presentation. No design variations have been noted among production items.
Issue / Completed Price
$2,650 $5,995 (on the 1999 price list)
Design number 4091
This sculpture is found with damage 50% of the time when offered on the secondary market. Out of 20 documented sales reviewed, 10 had damage to the three feathers on top of his turban. These feathers were either missing or the seller stated they had been repaired. It's easy for these to become damaged during packing, shipping and unpacking as they are extremely fragile. Because of Othello's height, it is also easy to bump his head on the glass shelf above when placing him inside or removing him from a display cabinet. The sword is also found with the tip broken off due to negligent handling. The blue rope piping on his cape has also been seen broken off and missing in sections. These are all areas a potential buyer should carefully check prior to purchasing.
Measures 15" tall
Offered as a companion to Desdemona (1982), Othello was sold separately. Her edition of 500 copies sold out in 1984, the year of his release. The two were never offered as a set with any discount pricing the way later couples were priced.
Othello was well designed as he stands securely on three points of contact without the threat of tipping over. Unlike other sculptures (such as Carmen and King Arthur) which easily fall forward. Othello's weight was balanced to prevent falling.
The backside of Othello's cape is intricately decorated with 24k gold.
Othello's scabbard (for his sword) extends well below his boot, nearly to his ankle. While not quickly noticed, the lower section is periodically found broken off just below the top of his boot.
While minor variations have been noted in feather placement and rope piping these are attributed to individual artist's styling and not considered design variations.
Color variations have been found with a blue cape and red piping. A few of the standard color versions also have a unibrow as the blue cape variation above.
Skin tones were mostly consistent from one sculpture to the next. However a few copies have been noted with more Caucasian tones while a few copies have had far darker tones. This is attributed to individual artist's style as each decorator was responsible for mixing his/her own paint used on a daily basis.
Folk Singer
Released 1967
Introduced as a limited edition restricted to 500 the Folk Singer was closed early with a final issue of 283 copies. The edition was completed in 1974.
Issue / Completed Price
$300 $650
Design number 449
It is not know why the Folk Singer's edition was so abruptly reduced to slightly over half. It is possible lagging sales were responsible as this piece surely has limited appeal. It is also possible there were production problems as many items have been sold on the secondary market with the drums detached and a few with the guitar loose.
Measures 13" tall
Measures 13" tall
Originally issued with an accompanying wooden base, the sculpture measures 12 1/4". Measurements given in the studio's publications include the base as part of the overall height. Most bases have long since become separated and lost. A piece with its original base is worth a premium.
Measures 13" tall
The drums attached to the back of his stool have been seen detached and even missing on copies offered for sale on the secondary market. Anyone handling this sculpture should take extra care when setting it down. Be certain to hold him perfectly level when slowly lowering him to any surface. This avoids allowing the drums to make contact first as this can break them off when too much force is applied from the weight of the sculpture coming to rest on the drums first.
While no design variations have been found two color variations are common. He is most often found with blue pants but copies with yellow pants and dark sandals aren't hard to find. The variations were an ongoing release throughout production as both are reflected in the edition from numbers 1 to 283.
Color variations have also been noted on the Folk Singer's guitar. The majority of sculptures observed have only slight differences in shades of brown. However, some obvious differences have been noted on the bridge, saddle, neck and body.
The guitar was attached with slip and fired creating a single piece of porcelain. This is unlike later pieces where various bonding agents were used to attach parts that presented production issues with high loss rates inside the kiln. To obtain the perfect position of his hands and the guitar was a meticulous process of carefully monitoring this sculpture during the firing process. This surely added to the decision to reduce the edition size and close it early.
King Arthur
Released 1985
Introduced as a limited edition restricted to 350 copies for distribution in the lower 48 with 35 additional copies for distribution outside the continental U.S. The edition was likely never completed as it was still offered for sale on the studio's ecommerce website through the 2000's.
Issue / Completed Price
$2,350 $5,500-studio's price online in 2013
Design number 5001
Arthur is a companion to Queen Guinevere, released in 1983. Later on, in the early 1990's, the pair was offered with discount pricing when the two were purchased together. In 1993 Arthur listed for $3,750 and Guinevere was $$2,750. If purchased together the price was lowered to $5,850 providing the buyer with a $650 savings. This new approach to pricing did little to boost collapsing sales as the porcelain market continued to implode. The gimmick didn't last long and was retired by 1997 as single pricing only was available. In 1997 the price $4,500 for Arthur alone.
Measures 14" tall
While no design variations are noted, the piece does have an obvious design flaw. In achieving Arthur's pose leaning in on his left leg, the weight of the sculpture was thrown off balance. To compensate for this, his cape was made much thicker to add weight in the back. Even with this adjustment Arthur is still a "fall risk", easily tipping over if bumped. This issue may explain why all items sold on the secondary market are noted as having some form of damage.
Standard production version with white shirt and green collar. His crown in finished in standard gold paint with a dull finish.
At least one color variation has been found. A copy marked A.P. has a pink shirt and far more Old Coin Gold decoration than the production pieces. This was likely a test pieces done in the studio that was never produced for public sale.
Arthur's sword was attached with a bonding agent that did not hold. Nearly all copies sold on the secondary market are damaged with broken and or repaired swords, missing swords and broken fingers.
King David
Released 1985
Introduced as a limited edition restricted to 350 copies for distribution in the lower 48, an additional 35 copies were offered for distribution outside the continental U.S. By 1997 the studio increased the edition to 500 and 50 for distribution outside the continental U.S.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,475 $3,475 in 1999-listed as Near Closing
Design number 5013
David was released as a companion sculpture to Bathsheba, an edition of 500 released in 1984. Both David and Bathsheba are prominent Biblical characters, like Moses, Noah and St. Peter. It is not clear why the studio opted to release King David (and Bathsheba) in the Portraits in Porcelain collection as opposed to the Biblical collection.
For many, images that first come to mind of David are perhaps those of him slaying Goliath or admiring Bathsheba as she was bathing midday. The Old Testament records more than one instance where David's musical gift was appreciated by his predecessor King Saul. With this, the artists of Cybis have rendered well one of those moments when weary Saul looked to David to bring relief to his troubled soul.
Measures 14 3/4" tall
There are only minor color variations for David. Unfortunately, he is often seen listed on the secondary market with three points of damage. If purchasing this sculpture look closely at the small group of leaves on the backside on the base. Leaves are often broken off or the entire clump is missing. Another less expected point is the blue chord below his neckline cinching his cape. The strings hanging from the knot will often be broken off. Last of all and most noticeable, the neck of the lyre will have been broken off and reattached poorly or may also be missing entirely. A few examples have been seen missing the whole lyre, which seems impossible as the lyre was fired in position and not simply attached using a bonding agent.
Production copies have all been noted with the blue strings (meant to cinch the clasps of his cape) hanging uselessly below the clasps. There must have been a production issue with this design as the studio changed this prior to David's release.
The prototype in the marketing photo above shows the strings tied tightly in a knot. No production copy has been found like this. It's possible this short space was too difficult to attach both strings successfully with the knot in a proper position.
The issue surrounding David's edition size is, at best, disappointing. Once the studio announced the declared edition size for a sculpture, collectors often made a decision to purchase based on a certain number being produced. A collector considering purchasing one of an edition of 350 for $1,500 or more may have decided to do so based on the idea a smaller pool of pieces had a better chance of going up in value. When the studio raised the edition to 500 it significantly diminished the value. Why would Cybis do this? No explanation was given. It could be assumed that since Bathsheba had a declared issue of 500, and the two were marketed as a pair, another 150 copies of David should be produced to allow all Bathsheba owners to complete a set. This is unlikely the reason. David was a good seller and it was nothing more than the studio's decision to profit from an additional 150 copies. This never should have happened. Unfortunately, David was not the only example in the late 1990's where the edition was increased.
Sir Henry, The Knight
Released 1986
Sir Henry was introduced as a limited edition restricted to 350 copies for distribution in the lower 48 with 35 additional copies for distribution outside the continental U.S. It is probable this sculpture was never completed as he was still listed on the studio's ecommerce site as available for sale until the site went dark in 2018. Out of nine documented sales on the secondary market the highest number found was #137. it's possible the edition may have had half the declared copies produced.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,500 $3,495 in 1999
Design number 5036
No design variations have been noted for Sir Henry. Only very slight color variations exist and these are all due to the style of the artist responsible for decorating the sculpture.
Sadly, many of the Sir Henry sculptures offered for sale on the secondary market are damaged. While his shield and sword were both attached with slip and fired to the body of the sculpture, many pieces are seen with the sword or the shield damaged or entirely separated and broken off.
Measures 16" tall
Most sculptures assigned to the Portraits in Porcelain collection were of known characters from literature or actual people from history. Sir Henry was a fictitious character invented by the artists of Cybis dressed in period attire. In other words, he was nobody. Adding insult to injury, ole Henry's name was recycled from a gastropod the studio introduced in 1968. Snail, Sir Henri, Escargot was an open edition in the Animal Kingdom and Woodlands collection. Also his name was not always shown the same. On the Fall 1986 brochure it is listed Knight "Sir Henry" next to the picture and simply as Sir Henry on the back page in the price list. The 1988 price list has Sir Henry, the Knight.
The oak leaves around the stump have also been noted with damage. A potential buyer should not overlook this area when inspecting prior to purchase.
Most impressive is the amount of 24k liquid gold applied in the decoration of Henry's shield. The Old Coin Gold technique used to achieve this look was a process pioneered by the Cybis studio.
Harlequin
Released 1980
Harlequin was introduced as a limited edition restricted to 500 copies but quickly reduced to 250. He was abruptly moved to a completed status in 1983. It's possible all 250 copies were never produced as the highest edition number documented among sold items over the last 25 years is #164.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,575 $1,875
Design number 4021
No design variations have been discovered for Harlequin. Production pieces appear true to the marketing photo originally issued. Minor color variations have been noted in the green used on his hat, belt, cuffs on his pants and slapstick in his left hand. They appear almost black in the brochure but are actually dark green.
Measures 15 1/2" tall
The original brochure from the Fall of 1980 announcing Harlequin's release stated he was 14 1/2" tall. This was in error as it was corrected in the Spring of 1981 price list to 15 1/2" tall. The sculpture in the collection here is #39 and measures 15 3/4" tall. Positioning of the lace ruffles on his sleeve can easily account for difference up to 1/4 of an inch in height.
Harlequin holds a slapstick, also known as a clapper, in his left hand. The slapstick was a device made of two pieces of wood that made a loud clapping sound when slapped together.
The Old Coin Gold process of applying 24k liquid gold details to Harlequin's mask, hat, shoes and slapstick gives the sculpture added appeal.
Columbine was issued in 1981 as a companion to Harlequin. She too was moved to a completed status in 1983. The highest edition number documented for Columbine is #127 making this pair harder to find.
Pagliacci
Released 1985
Pagliacci (pronounced pah-lee-AH-chee ) was introduced as an open edition in the Portraits in Porcelain collection. He is the first and only non-limited edition to have been added to the Portraits collection.
Issue / Completed Price
$325 $325
Design number 5006
The only noticeable variation between the marketing photo published in the brochure and production items is in the placement of his feet (where attached to the base). No design or color variations have been noted. The simplicity of the sculpture did not allow for accidental changes where details were added or missed. The only color on the piece is in his hair and eyes. Unless the studio produced a test piece in a color other than white, or other than black accents, there wasn't much of a chance a decorating artist could go rogue. Pagliacci was not for sale long enough for the studio to receive, let alone produce, any customer requested special orders in other colors.
Measures 10 1/4" tall
This was one of the shortest-lived sculptures, if not THE shortest, ever produced by the studio. Released in the Fall of 1985, his retirement was announced in the Alphabetical Guide to Current Sculptures dated February 1, 1986. There are only two possibilities why the studio would kill off a new piece in less than six months. Usually, a quick retirement was due to production issues where a high loss rate in the kiln mandated an end to production. This option was a last resort and chosen only when modifications to the sculpture's design offered no reasonable solution. The other possibility is lack of interest from merchants and collectors. Bingo! This piece was not well received. He was a plain, boring design that had no "WOW" factor. Only a few merchants ordered this sculpture.
This sculpture is a sturdy design and easy to handle. However, a misplaced thumb when picking him up can result in the puff balls on his costume chipping or breaking off.
The black puff balls on his shoes and on the end of his hat can also become damaged if not handled gently. Of the dozen or so sold on the secondary market only a couple have been noted with damaged puff balls.
Ironically, because his costume resembles a clown suit, some sellers have assumed Pagliacci was part of the Circus collection.
Court Jester
Released 1978
Introduced as a numbered limited edition restricted to 500 copies he was reduced to 250 copies in 1981 which were completed in 1982.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,450 $1,750
Design number 485
Originally released as part of the Portraits in Porcelain collection, Court Jester was moved to a new category, Theatre of Porcelain, introduced in 1980.
Measures 15 1/2" tall
No design variations have been noted as the original marketing photo indicates no changes were made prior to the production model being released. Only minor color variations have been noted. Primarily, the brochure used some black in the decoration of his costume.
A surprising number of Court Jester sculptures have been offered on the secondary market with his puppet (also referred to as a bauble) damaged. Either the stick he holds has the bottom half broken off. In a few instances, the puppet has been noted as missing. Also the round balls decorating the flags of his costume are sometimes missing.
Puck
Released 1981
Puck was introduced as a numbered limited edition restricted to 350 copies. The edition was reduced the following year in 1981 to 200. He was completed in 1983.
Issue / Completed Price
$2,300 $2,450
Design number 4038
Puck was placed in the newly created Theatre of Porcelain category . He was the fourth and final entry for this short-lived collection which appears to have been retired when Puck was closed in 1983. It is not known if all 200 copies of the reduced edition were completed.
Measures 14" tall
Only minor color variations are noted in the bottom of his base. No design variations have been found.
Overall, the copies sold on the secondary market have been damage free. One copy had Puck separated from his mushroom style perch.
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Mr. President
Released 1987
Mr. President was introduced as a numbered limited edition restricted to 500 copies to be made during the Constitutional Celebration. It is very unlikely these were all produced. Mr. President was shown on the 1988 and 1989 price lists only. No mention was made of him again after 1989 on any printed material. The country had just finished a highly commercialized bicentennial celebration during the mid 1970's so it's likely the over priced Constitutional items were all a flop.
Issue / Completed Price
$1,987 $2,275
Design number 5041
This sculpture of George Washington, our nation's first president, was released to coincide with the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. His issue price of $1,987 was set to also coincide with the year of celebration. The marketing brochure has eight items listed as part of the Constitutional Collection. Mr. President was the only one with a declared edition size. Three others were to be numbered during the celebration ONLY. While this was not mentioned for Mr. President, the brochure was vague in stating he was an edition of 500. If orders weren't placed, it's likely the edition was simply canceled. There are only two documented sales from the secondary market for sculptures #14 and #21. This is a strong indicator all 500 were never made. If more had been produced a few with higher numbers would have been for sale on the secondary market over the last 35 years.
Measures 17" tall
There are no noted design or color variations for Mr. President. The lace on his shirt and sleeves are the only areas that are particularly fragile and should be noted if purchasing this sculpture today.
George Washington Bust
Released 1975
Design number 482
Released as a Bicentennial open edition in the Fall of 1975, the George Washington Bust was available only in white bisque. The edition was completed in 1980. Each bust was attached to a mahogany wood base with an official Bicentennial seal/emblem on the front of the base. No color or design variations are noted for the bust. The marketing photo used indicates no changes were made prior to the production model being released.
The base is a sturdy piece seldom seen with damage. One point to note is that items on the secondary market have been seen with the official seal/emblem missing. A missing emblem does affect the value of the piece since it is no longer considered mint if removed or otherwise absent. The 1975 Fall price list shows an issue price of $175 but the 1979 catalog incorrectly reflects an issue price of $275.
Issue / Completed Price
$275 $275
Measures 12" tall
Beau Brummell
Unreleased
This Artist's Proof was never released by the studio. Having never been issued, no pricing is available.
Issue / Completed Price
$NA $NA
Design number-unknown
This unique sculpture is dated 1982. He is not found in any brochure or catalog. There are no entries for a male sculpture on any price list from 1982 forward that has not been identified. The complete absence of any published information on this piece is a bit of a mystery. He was likely assigned a name and design number, as all sculptures were, when design began, but that information will likely never be learned. It has been assumed this is Beau Brummell due to his styling, period clothing and pose, which all match paintings and various renditions of Brummell.
The possible reasons why this sculpture was created but not introduced are only speculative. He was clearly a design that made it all the way to completion. His overall styling hints at an inhouse project as his hands were borrowed from the standing female sculpture Ophelia. He appears to have been sculpted by the same artists that did Romeo and Juliet but this is not confirmed. The studio generally made 2-3 copies of all sculptures, even if only as test items. So far this is the only example of Beau. This specific sculpture has been offered at auction twice, first in 2007 and again in 2019. It was same sculpture offered in both auctions, meaning he did not sell in 2007.
Measures 14"
