Care Tips for Meissen Porcelain Animal Figurines
By Porcelain Manufactory MEISSEN | Crafts & Quality since 1710 | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean and preserve your Meissen animal figurines, including the Spitz mit Ball and cat sculptures, with expert advice on dusting, handling, and display.
Quick answer
Dust Meissen porcelain animal figurines weekly with a soft brush and avoid water or chemicals to preserve hand-painted details.
Why gentle care matters for hand-painted pieces
Meissen animal figurines like the Spitz mit Ball (designed by Erich Hösel in 1906) feature delicate hand-painted details and glossy glazes. Harsh cleaning can damage the paint or create micro-scratches. A soft approach keeps the colors vibrant and the surface smooth.
Display and environment tips
Place figurines away from direct sunlight to prevent glaze fading. Avoid high-humidity areas like bathrooms, as moisture can weaken the porcelain over time. A stable shelf or glass cabinet reduces the risk of accidental knocks.
Frequently asked questions
- How should I dust my Meissen animal figurine?
- Use a soft, dry makeup brush or artist's brush to gently sweep away dust. For crevices (like between a dog's legs or a cat's ears), a compressed air duster (canned air) works well. Never use a damp cloth, as water can seep into unglazed areas and cause damage.
- Can I wash my Meissen porcelain figurine?
- Only if the piece is fully glazed and unglued. Hand-painted figurines (like the Spitz mit Ball) should never be submerged. For stubborn dirt, lightly dab a cotton swab dipped in distilled water, then immediately dry with a soft cloth. Avoid soap, detergents, or abrasive sponges. When in doubt, skip washing and stick to dry dusting.
- How do I handle a fragile porcelain cat or dog figurine?
- Always lift the figurine with both hands—one supporting the base, the other cradling the body. Never pick it up by the tail, ears, or protruding parts (like a ball). Place it on a felt pad or soft surface while cleaning to prevent sliding.
- What should I do if the figurine gets chipped?
- Do not try to glue it yourself with household adhesives, as they can discolor the porcelain. Contact a professional porcelain restorer or Meissen directly for advice. Keep the broken pieces in a sealed bag. Professional repair is safer than DIY fixes.
Featured figurines
- Hund Spitz mit Ball, Bunt staffiert, H 5 cm: Tierplastiken haben bei MEISSEN® eine lange Tradition. Die Figur "Spitz mit Ball" aus dem Jahr 1906 stammt vom Künstler Erich Hösel. This historic piece requires extra care around the painted ball and fur texture to avoid rubbing off the color.
Hund Spitz mit Ball, Bunt staffiert, H 5 cm - Katze, Bunt staffiert, leicht, H 11 cm: Die Katze, Bunt staffiert, H 11 cm, ist eine weitere Erich Hösel Kreation. Its compact size and hand-painted details make it prone to dust buildup in crevices, so a fine brush is essential.
Katze, Bunt staffiert, leicht, H 11 cm - Katze jung, Weiß, H 11,5 cm: Die junge Katze in Weiß, H 11,5 cm, zeigt die natürliche Porzellanfarbe ohne Bemalung. The unglazed white surface can show fingerprints easily, so handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves.
