Smart Phone Users-Tap the 3 lines directly below on left for navigation/site menu.
Looking to sell Cybis? Smart Phone users expand the menu and go to Contact. Desktop/Tablet users go to Contact below in the navigation options.
Other Biblical/Religious Characters
Pope/St. John Paul II
The Prophet
Praying Nun / Singing Nun
St. Philomena
Biblical Characters found in the Portraits in Porcelain Collection
Biblical Characters found in the Portraits in Porcelain Collection
Moses, "The Great Lawgiver"
Released in 1963 as design 411
Released in the 1963 category of "Objects D' Art", Moses was later moved to the Biblical collection.
Finishes
Moses was produced only in Parian color.
Issue Price / Completed Price
$250 $350
Completed in 1970
This sculpture was introduced in the Spring of 1963. Moses was prominently featured at the 1964 New York World's Fair along side the Iris and the Crown Crested Crane in a stunning display greeting fair goers at the entry of the Cybis exhibit. Measuring 20" tall, including the wooden base, Moses was one of the largest sculptures ever produced. At the time of his initial release, the 1963 price list indicated Moses was an open edition as he was not found listed in the Limited Editions section. He was listed among other open editions. The following year, Moses was included in the studio's Commemorative Issue catalog for the World's Fair as a limited edition of 750.
Measures 20" tall
Measures 20" tall
Each Moses sculpture was attached to a wooden base. The surface of the base is often found with water damage from improper cleaning where the base was allowed to get wet. Also sculptures are found loose and will rotate on the base. Loosely attached sculptures have often scratched the wood when rotating. Loose pieces can be tightened with a standard screwdriver.
Measures 20" tall
Hebrew text of the Ten Commandments was inscribed on all sculptures released as part of the normal production. Using a smart phone and language translation app, the text at the top left was translated to "You shall not commit adultery", which is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses as recorded in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.
No production variations are known to exist, but the photographs used in early marketing material show Moses holding plain stone tablets with no inscriptions. The piece photographed (shown above) was likely an early prototype as all sculptures released have inscribed tablets. Since the text needed to be correct, it is possible the studio requested written Hebrew text from a knowledgeable source and did not have it prior to marketing photos being taken. Very slight color variations have been noted.
Noah
Released in 1976 as design 491
Introduced as a restricted, numbered edition of 500 copies, Noah has no known color or design variations.
Finishes
Noah was produced only in Parian color
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $975 $1,125
Completed in 1979
This sculpture is listed as measuring 21" tall, which includes the wooden base. Generally, the studio did not include the base in measurements unless it was permanently attached. Noah has a felt covered bottom and was designed to sit on the mahogany wood base included with the sculpture. Unfortunately, over time, bases most often become separated from the sculpture and lost. Of all Noah sculptures sold on the secondary market over the last 20 years, only one was noted to have the original base included in the sale. Without the wooden base, Noah measures 19 1/2" tall.
Measures 21" tall (on base)
When available on the secondary market Noah often has damage. Most frequently, damage is to the dove attached to his raised hand. Wings will be chipped or missing or the dove will have been broken off and reattached, usually with a poor restoration. Pieces with such damage are worth less than 10% of the current market values of a mint condition item.
Another area for high potential damage is Noah's big toe. Copies have been listed for sale with the big toe broken off and missing or reattached with glue.
St. Peter
Released in 1981 as design 2157
Introduced as a restricted, numbered edition of 500 copies, St. Peter has no known color or design variations.
Finishes
St. Peter was produced only in Parian color
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $1,250 $1,250
Measures 16 3/4" tall (on base)
The 1981 and 1982 price lists and the 1982 Cybis catalog list St. Peter as measuring 16 3/4" tall. The picture in the 1982 catalog shows St. Peter displayed on a wooden base. The sculpture shown on this page measures just over 15 1/4". None of the items shown in historical sales listings over the last 20 years have the base. It is not uncommon for bases to become separated and lost when not attached to the porcelain sculpture. With the base or without, St. Peter is a sizeable sculpture. It is likely the edition was never completed. Historical sales found had several edition numbers in the 200 to 227 range, so it is assumed approximately half the edition was produced. Priced at $1,250 it was either completed or discontinued between January 1, 1984 and February1, 1986 as it was no longer available after 1986.
Areas most commonly found with damage on this piece are the fingers on his raised hand and the golden key being lose or broken off (and missing).
The gold key will often be loose or broken. Attached as two pieces to his hand, the top or bottom piece is often missing when offered on the secondary market.
St. Francis (of Assisi)
Released 1950's as design 2085
The release date is unknown, but was likely in the early 1950's. There are two known versions. The first release (shown above) was St. Francis alone. The sculpture was later updated adding plants and animals.
Finishes
St. Francis is predominately found in Stained Glass Cypia. Older studio publications indicate he was also made in Parian white, Stained Glass white & color and Stained Glass Cypia.
- Parian white
- Stained Glass white, color and Cypia
Issue Price / Completed Price
White $35 $35
Color $40 $40
Retired in 1964
This sculpture was available in multiple finishes. Contradictions found in Cybis publications indicate St. Francis was only sold in color. The 1978 and 1979 catalogs list color only while the 1963 price list shows both color and white. St. Francis of Assisi has been found in Parian white, Stained Glass white, Stained Glass Cypia and Stained Glass color. Measuring 13 1/2" tall, St. Francis was sold as an open edition and was retired in 1964.
Measures 13 1/2" tall
As pictured below, several variations have been found and early versions most likely have a different design number:
- Earliest sculptures depict St. Francis standing alone on a small round base with floral decorations between his feet.
- Later sculptures were "expanded" to include a larger base which hosts a pair of sheep, three,(instead of two) redesigned doves and additional plants and flowers.
- Later sculptures have variations in the direction the dove is facing on his arm.
- Later sculptures have variations in how the ears and noses are painted on the sheep.
Numerous variations exist
Note dove positions on shoulder
St. Joseph
Released 1950's as design 203
Released 1950's as design 203
Released and retired in the 1950's Joseph is found in the Stained Glass color finish and may have also been produced in white. There are several known variations.
Finishes
- Stained Glass color
- Stained Glass white (possible)
Issue Price / Completed Price
N/A N/A
Retired 1950's
Released 1950's as design 203
Slight variations in size are common and likely due to mold shrinkage.
Color variations are primarily noted in his mantle/tunic (worn over his robe), the hem of his robe and the green grassy area under his feet.
Measures 9 1/4" tall
Old Coin Gold accents were applied moderately to St. Joseph. The design number 203 is found on both copies pictured and indicates the design and color variations were not considered significant enough to warrant issuing a new design number when the piece was updated.
Eye color also varies from brown to blue. The later copy has brown eyes.
Two major design differences exist between these copies. The most obvious item is that earlier versions had a single lily. Later versions had two flowers. While not significant, the later copy appears to have greater detail and overall better quality in the design of his hands while the earlier copy appears to have better quality in the painted details.
The earlier copy has blue eyes.
.
The second design variation is found on the base. Texture was added along with additional green paint to indicate a grassy surface. The front of the base also has variations in the rose/floral adornments. The early version had a single bud on each side of the open rose, while later versions had two buds on each side. The color and texture of the leaves is also different. As these variations may have been introduced gradually, it may be possible copies exist that contain some of these differences but not all. This type of progressive change explains why the same design number is found on items that vary significantly. The general practice was to issue a new number when a sculpture received major revisions all at once.
St. Joseph holding Christ Child
A second rendition of St. Joseph depicts him holding the Christ Child and lilies. The design number, release & retirement dates and pricing are yet to be discovered. This sculpture should not be confused with St. Anthony. Mary, Joseph and Anthony are frequently portrayed in art holding the Christ child. Anthony, a Franciscan, is always clean shaven with a tonsure haircut wearing a brown robe and most often has the Child touching his face (or reaching toward it).
Produced during the mid 1950's
The example shown here is stamped on the bottom, "Cybis Fine China", in blue. Attached to the additional base this sculpture is over 11" tall, making it taller than many of the other religious products in the Cybis line.
St. Patrick
Released 1950's - designs 263 & 2514
St. Patrick (the Bishop and patron saint to Ireland) was released in the early 1950's. The exact date is yet to be determined. Examples found have been in the Stained Glass color finish and Stained Glass color with Old Coin Gold. It is probable St. Patrick was also available in white.
Finishes
- Stained Glass color
- Stained Glass color with Old coin Gold
Issue Price / Completed Price
N/A N/A
Retired 1950's
There are both design and color variations for St. Patrick. The first release was issued as design number 263. This low number in the "200" series (designated for religious items) indicates St. Patrick was an early entry in the Biblical/Religious category. The use of Old Coin Gold decoration, in moderation, was common on most early religious sculptures. Design 263 has gold on the mitre worn on his head, the lappets (two ribbons that symbolize the Old and New Testaments of the Bible) hanging from the back of the mitre and painted on the sash of his robe. Measuring 11 3/4" this was a taller piece than many of the other religious figures.
Measures 11 3/4" & 13 1/2" tall
St. Patrick is depicted here wearing the Roman Catholic mitre, commonly worn by Bishops. It is similar to the Papal Tiara (ceremonial crown) worn by the Pope. Old Coin Gold accents were used to enhance this early edition. Wearing white gloves, this copy has a shamrock painted on the glove worn on his right.
All versions were sold as open editions. St. Patrick was retired by the late 1950's.
By the mid 1950's St. Patrick received a design update which resulted in a new design number 2514 being issued. His height was increased to 13 1/2" with the addition of an attached base while the over all color scheme was enriched using Cypia enhancements, darker green paint on his robe, changing his mitre to blue and adding far more Old Coin Gold. The results were impressive.
This new design sported a significant increase in the amount of gold decorating this piece. It has a full, rich beauty unmatched by the previously understated design. Old Coin Gold was used to decorate the cross on the Bible where the earlier version was not highlighted. While pricing for St. Patrick has not been found in historical documentation yet, it is known the Old Coin Gold items were always priced higher.
Another variation is in St. Patrick's eyes. The earlier version has his eyes open but looking down. The redesigned sculpture has his eyes closed, as if in prayer. The next two pictures demonstrate the noticeable size difference. While the addition of the base bolstered his height by nearly an inch the sculpture was upsized slightly adding to the overall height increase.
Note Cypia tones on lower section.
Note darker green robe on newer version.
St. Jude
Released 1950's
Released and retired in the 1950's St. Jude is found in the Stained Glass color finish and may have also been produced in white.
Finishes
- Stained Glass color and white
Issue Price / Completed Price
N/A N/A
Retired 1950's
No design or color variations have been discovered thus far. It is possible St. Jude was made in a smaller size.
Measures 15 1/4" tall
Pricing, Release/Retirement Dates and the Design number are unknown.
At more than 15" tall St. Jude towers over other sculptures in the Biblical collection.
Old Coin Gold was used to decorate the medal hanging from St. Jude's neck which has been said was to reflect the image of Christ.
Exodus
Released in 1960 as design 424
Released as a limited edition restricted to 750 copies the edition size was reduced to 50 when orders failed to materialize. Exodus, The Prophet and Flight Into Egypt were all three designed in-house by the studio's chief designer. Other items similar in style were also created but never released. They were later sold as individual items either at auction or to studio visitors.
Finishes
Exodus was produced only in Parian white
Issue Price / Completed Price
Color $350 $350
Completed in 1966
A departure from the traditional style customers had embraced, Exodus was one of three pieces released by the studio in the "modern" style. None of the three met the studio's sales expectations, as it took years to sell 50 copies of each. This costly experiment was a valuable lesson learned well, as Cybis made no further introductions of sculptures deviating from the mainstream style their collectors were willing to quickly purchase.
Measures 19" tall
Measures 19" tall
This sculpture is often assumed to be Mary holding Jesus. This is an incorrect assumption. While it does in fact depict a Hebrew woman and child, it actually represents a mother and child leaving Egypt as part of the "Exodus" from slavery, after the Jewish people were released from bondage.
St. Peter - Seated
Created in 1964
Presented to Pope Paul VI in 1964, the studio stated the sculpture was an edition limited to one. No other copies had been sold or were known to exist until the studio's archives were liquidated in 2019 and an unfinished copy surfaced. Cybis publications have listed the sculpture to be 16" tall. Official catalog photos show it mounted on a wooden base. The unfinished copy was listed by the auction house as 17" tall with no base. Then yet, a caption with a color picture from a book by Marvin Schwartz (shown next) states the height is 24" tall. The studio's standard practice was to include the base as part of the overall height when stating measurements. However, there have been discrepancies noted with other sculptures, such as Columbia, which is stated to be 15" tall but measures 13 1/2" on the wooden base.
Issue Restricted to 1
A color photo of the sculpture presented to the Pope is found in the book A History of American Art Porcelain. It lists the height as 24" tall. This was clearly an error as photographs of the sculpture being held (while presented to the Pope) show the piece is not two feet tall.
Measures 16" tall
Measures 16" tall
An unfinished copy that appears to have Cypia accents was sold at auction when the studio liquidated its archives in 2019. The height was listed as 17" tall with no wooden base. Due to kiln breakage and general accidents, the studio never produced a single item. More than one copy was made so a "spare" was available in the event of a catastrophe. But that explanation does not resolve the size difference between the 17" unfinished and unmounted piece and the 16" finished piece mounted on a wooden base. it is possible the unfinished item was a test piece made for size comparison. If so, the slightly smaller size obviously was selected.
David (Shepherd Boy)
Released in 1983
David was introduced in the Spring 1983 release. The brochure reads, "This young shepherd boy who grew up to bravely conquer the Philistine giant Goliath, became Israel's greatest king." That caption in the brochure leaves no doubt as to who this depicts.
Issue Price / Completed Price
$325 $325
Retired in 1985
This sculpture was in the product line for just about three years (1983, 1984 and 1985) before being retired. No color or design variations have been found among the production items. However, a prototype from the studio's archives exists showing an early design not entered for production. The studio often created prototypes as test pieces and then made necessary design changes prior to an actual release. This piece was likely designed by a freelance artist who sold it to Cybis as a boy standing (attached to the base) and holding the fowl.
Measures 8 1/2" tall
In an effort to customize the sculpture to the studio's specifications, two noted changes were made. First his eyes were changed so they were open. Second, a lamb was attached next to David's feet. Clearly the base was not large enough and the lamb was a poor fit. The base should have been enlarged to comfortably fit the lamb.
Prototype with eyes closed
Eyes on the prototype were closed.
Prototype showing addition of lamb
The poor lamb appears here to be hanging on for dear life. Obviously it was added to the prototype to determine if the concept would compliment the sculpture. These design tests were common prior to production. Changes were made to the hem of the robe raising it enough to accommodate rotating the lamb on the base toward David's feet. This small change took less time and effort than redesigning the entire base for a better fit. While a redesign of the base would have been the better choice, a combination of factors, largely cost driven, would have been the motivation for the final design.
Production item with redesign
While now resting securely on the base with only a minor portion still hanging over the edge, the lamb completes the "Shepherd Boy" theme.
Pope / St. John Paul II
Released in 1989
Our ceramics are handcrafted with care and precision, ensuring that each piece is one-of-a-kind. From the shaping of the clay to the glazing process, every step is done by hand to create beautiful and unique pieces.
Created with Passion
We are passionate about ceramics and it shows in our work. Our team of artisans pours their heart and soul into each piece, creating stunning designs that reflect our commitment to quality and beauty.
Measures
Sustainable Materials
Looking for something truly unique? We offer custom designs that are tailored to your specific needs. From color to shape to size, we can create a piece that's perfect for you.
Sustainable Materials
Gifts for All Occasions
Sustainable Materials
We believe in using sustainable materials to create our ceramics. That's why we source our clay from local suppliers and use eco-friendly packaging to reduce our impact on the environment.
Gifts for All Occasions
Gifts for All Occasions
Gifts for All Occasions
Our ceramics make perfect gifts for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. With a wide selection of beautiful pieces to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect gift for your loved ones.
Join Our Community
Gifts for All Occasions
Gifts for All Occasions
Join our community of ceramics lovers and stay up-to-date on new collections, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow us on social media and become a part of the Cybis Porcelain family.