Polar bears: New life to classic figurines

Ever since the first figurine saw the light of day in 1889, beautiful polar bears have been an absolute classic in the Royal Copenhagen range. Now sculptor Allan Therkelsen has created six new figurines bursting with life and detail.

In the new polar bear figurines Allan Therkelsen shows the animals romping with each other and the cubs enjoying the closeness of their mother. The figurines sparkle with life, and all the lifelike details show just how thoroughly the artist has studied the anatomy of the bears, the magnificence of their thick coats and the power of their movements.

In production since 1889

Every polar bear figurine is painted by hand with brush and airbrush using the special underglaze technique that gives the colouration of the figurines such a delicate touch and emphasises their lifelike appearance. The very same technique that was first used in the late 1880s, when the Royal Porcelain Manufactory made a number of graceful figurines in the naturalistic style of the day, creating a stir at the World Fair in 1889.

This was also the first occasion on which the polar bear figurine was seen, and it became so popular that it has been part of the Royal Copenhagen product range ever since.

Experienced sculptor

Various artists, including Knud Kyhn, C. F. Liisberg and Nils Niielsen, have produced their versions of the polar bear figurine over the years, and it is now the turn of Allan Therkelsen to portray this beautiful animal. With his many years of experience, Allan Therkelsen (born 1960) is one of Royal Copenhagen’s most productive artists. He is the man behind a great many dog and cat figurines, a series of young ballerinas and the popular Motherly Love series of young animals.

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