Asian Figurines Information Wanted

Can someone give me some information on these? Small ones are approx 11" and the large one approx 19".

 

Larry, I think those would best be described as figurines. They are dressed in Chinese costumes and appear to be cast of resin.

Debora

 

Thanks Debra but I can't find how to edit the Title.

 

Go to Thread tools at the top of your post after clicking the edit button.

 

Go to the Thread Tools drop down at the top ^

 

Thank you.

 

We're all here to learn. You're welcome.

 

I agree, they are resin. Most figurines in this Asian-inspired style were made in Italy.

 

Thanks everyone. They just don't sound like resin thud. They ping more like glass. So, even though there is a Chinese mark on the sides they would still be from Italy? Thanks

 

Those are fake Chinese marks, I don't think any Chinese person would recognize it as Chinese. Yes, to Western made, most likely in Italy.

 

A good way to test for resin, is to use a hot needle or pin in an inconspicuous area. The needle will penetrate if its resin, and will not if they are ivory, glass or ceramic.

 

OH NO !!!!!
Not another Hot Pin Test post !!!!

 

Resin can be recognized by looking, no need to damage it, or take a risk with something that could potentially be a health hazard.
And then there is the style, pieces like these were never made in anything but resin.
There are more materials beside ivory, glass or ceramic, btw.

 

I am sure that some resin items will eventually become the antiques of tomorrow and will have increased in value in much the same way as Bakelite and certain items produced using modern-day plastics. Plaster copies of bronze-metal sculptures for example are very popular today and some are highly desirable.

The use of cheaper materials and low-cost manufacturing as always been with us in one way or another: Silver plate, spelter and terracotta to name just a few.

I also believe there will always be a healthy collective marketplace for good design, and the use of cheaper materials & production techniques also allows more expensive items to be more comfortably affordable. Who of us will ever be able to posses an original Wisteria lamp by Tiffany, but a decently made 'copy' can often display itself beautifully and at fraction of the cost, whilst also commanding a value of its own.