Statuettes

Polish pottery Christmas figurine guide

The three pieces

The snowman figurine is 6.5 inches tall, a standing snowman with a top hat and scarf, the pattern stamped over the body so he reads as Polish pottery from across the room. The snowman candle holder is the same snowman with a candle socket, for the sideboard or the centre of the table; it is the lowest-priced piece on the page and the one most people start with. The Santa Claus figurine is 6 inches tall, a traditional long-coated Father Christmas with a sack, and the pattern covers the coat. Bought together in one pattern they make a mantel set; bought one a year they become the tradition.

Where to put them

A mantel, a windowsill, the centre of the dining table between the candlesticks, a bookshelf, the hall table by the front door, or the kitchen counter by the coffee pot. Because they are glazed stoneware and not painted resin, they can sit in a steamy kitchen or a sunny window without fading, and they wipe clean. Keep them off the floor and away from the edge of a table where a sleeve can catch them: stoneware is heavy and chips if it falls on tile.

Candle safety

Use the candle holder on a flat, stable surface, keep the flame clear of garlands and curtains, and never leave it burning unattended. Stoneware does not scorch, but the area around the socket gets warm; let it cool before you move it. Drips come off with warm water or a fingernail once the wax has set.

Care and storage

Dust with a soft cloth or rinse under the tap; the glaze is dishwasher safe if they get sticky. Store them in January wrapped in tissue in the box they came in, standing up, in a cupboard that does not freeze, and they will outlast the tree lights several times over.

Choosing a pattern

Peacock Pine 312 and Winter Night 243a are the two Christmas patterns, and most people pick one of them. Nature 41 and Peacock 56 are the everyday traditional stamps, for a figurine that matches the dinnerware all year; Floral Peacock 166a and Cobalt Swirl 174a are the more detailed "a" patterns. A snowman in the same pattern as a set of mugs is a small gift that feels thought-about.

Frequently asked questions

How tall are the figurines?

The snowman and the snowman candle holder are 6.5 inches tall; the Santa Claus is 6 inches.

Are they hollow or solid?

They are slip-cast stoneware, hollow inside with thick walls, so they are heavy enough to stand steadily but not as heavy as a solid piece.

Can the figurines go outside?

They are frost-resistant stoneware, but they are made for indoors. A covered porch out of the rain is fine for the season; do not leave them out in freezing weather.

Do they match the dinnerware?

Yes. They are made in the same patterns, so a Peacock Pine snowman matches Peacock Pine plates, mugs and ornaments.