What started out as handmade and hand-painted figurines for aristocrats in the 18th century has evolved to become a beloved sensation worldwide. Herend Figurines are unique not only because they have such a rich history, but also because each piece is still handcrafted to this very day. While Herend Figurines have always been made in Hungary, their pattern designs were actually influenced by ancient China. These figurines are distinctive because they feature a specific fishnet pattern originating from the fish scale patterns widely found on Chinese plates throughout history.

How do these beautiful treasures come to be? The creation process is a fascinating one. Herend Figurines are made from porcelain, and each piece undergoes individual painting in addition to various gold applications. At the beginning of their creation, kaolin, quartz, and feldspar are mixed together and then sculpted to create a figure. These figures come in a wide variety of animal types including wildlife, sea life, pets, birds, bunnies, farm animals, and many more.

Once the sculpture has dried, it is fired in a high heat kiln designated for porcelain and given a good glazing before heading back to the kiln once again. The heat along with the glazing then create the smooth, shiny texture of porcelain.

Once that is finished, that’s where the next stage of creativity starts. The porcelain figurine is hand-painted to include the traditional fishnet pattern and other luxuriously defining details. They are also often painted in an array of different colors ranging from regular reds and blues to interesting shades like sapphire and chocolate. 24 karat gold accents are then added to complete the design. After that, it goes back into the kiln and there you have it! A Herend Figurine has been created and is finally ready for all the world to see and enjoy.