Michael Moebius Marilyn Bust: Display and Care Guide

Why this bust needs a different approach

The Michael Moebius Marilyn bust is not a standard porcelain figurine. It is a unique piece made in traditional handwork at the MEISSEN manufactory, and it includes a chewing gum bubble that was handmade and mouth-blown by the Moser glass manufactory in Karlsbad. That combination of porcelain and glass means your display and care routine should account for two fragile materials, not one.

Because each bust is a Unikat, there is no mass-produced replacement if something goes wrong. The safest approach is to minimize handling, choose a stable location, and clean conservatively.

What the catalog confirms

• Büste Marilyn What do I wear ..., Unikate Michael Moebius, H 45 cm: The unique Marilyn Monroe bust was made in traditional handwork at the MEISSEN manufactory and features a chewing gum bubble handmade and mouth-blown by the Moser glass manufactory in Karlsbad. Two materials, porcelain and glass, need careful handling and a stable display spot.

  

• Büste Marilyn What do I wear ..., Unikate Michael Moebius, H 45 cm: The artwork was brought to life by MEISSEN sculptor Maximilian Hagstotz, and the bust is part of Michael Moebius' Bubblegum series, which mixes realism with a playful touch. Knowing the piece is a sculptural artwork helps you treat it as a display object rather than a functional item.

How to display the bust safely

1. Choose a stable, low-traffic surface: Place the bust on a sturdy shelf, console, or cabinet that is not in a walkway. Avoid spots where sleeves, bags, or cleaning supplies are likely to brush against it.
2. Keep it away from edges and vibrations: The glass bubble is the most exposed element. Set the bust back from the edge and away from doors, speakers, or appliances that vibrate.
3. Control light and heat: Direct sunlight and heat sources can stress both porcelain and glass over time. A display area with indirect light and steady room temperature is safer.
4. Skip the enclosed cabinet if it invites handling: A glass cabinet can protect the bust from dust, but only if you rarely open it. If you plan to rearrange often, an open shelf with a clear boundary may be easier to live with.

Handling the glass bubble

The chewing gum bubble is handmade and mouth-blown glass, so treat it as the most delicate part of the sculpture. When you need to move the bust, support the base with both hands and avoid gripping the head or the bubble. Never lift the bust by the bubble or by any protruding element.

If you wear rings, watches, or bracelets, remove them or turn them inward before handling. A small scratch on porcelain can be permanent, and glass can chip on contact with hard jewelry.

Cleaning without damaging porcelain or glass

The supplied product information does not include specific cleaning instructions, so use the most conservative method and test on an inconspicuous area first.

• Dust first, gently: Use a soft, dry brush or a microfiber cloth to lift dust. Avoid feather dusters that can flick debris against the glass bubble.
• Avoid water near the glass: Do not spray or wipe the glass bubble with water or cleaning solutions. Moisture can leave marks or seep into joins. If the porcelain needs more than dusting, use a barely damp cloth on the porcelain only, then dry immediately.
• Skip harsh chemicals and abrasives: Do not use alcohol, acetone, ammonia, or scouring powders on either material. These can damage glazes and glass surfaces.
• Never submerge the bust: The combination of porcelain and glass is not designed for immersion. Keep the piece dry.

When to get professional help

If the glass bubble becomes loose, chipped, or cloudy, or if the porcelain shows a crack, stop handling the piece and consult a conservator or the manufacturer. Do not attempt to glue or repair it yourself. Because each bust is a Unikat, a professional repair is usually the only way to preserve its value.

The catalog does not provide a warranty or repair policy, so keep your purchase documentation and ask MEISSEN directly about service options.

Product facts

• Büste Marilyn What do I wear ..., Unikate Michael Moebius, H 45 cm: Büste Marilyn What do I wear ..., Unikate Michael Moebius, H 45 cm The bust is 45 cm high, so plan a display space with enough vertical clearance and a base wide enough to feel stable.
• Büste Marilyn What do I wear ..., Unikate Michael Moebius, H 45 cm: Catalog price: USD 94500.00 (comparison price USD 150000.00). At this price point, insurance and careful placement are worth considering.