Herend porcelain is among the world’s most distinctive and collectable forms of fine porcelain. Produced by the Herend Porcelain Manufactory in Hungary, it is renowned for its hand-painted decoration, intricate patterns, finely modelled figures and exceptional craftsmanship.
From colourful animal figurines and birds to elaborate tableware and some of the most recognisable porcelain patterns in the world, Herend has developed a devoted following among collectors.
Some Herend porcelain can be relatively affordable, while rare, desirable or particularly well-preserved pieces can achieve significant prices at auction.
At Potteries Auctions, we regularly handle Herend porcelain as part of our specialist ceramics, collectables and Fine Art auctions. Our recent results demonstrate the strength of demand for Herend figures, with several pieces achieving prices significantly above their pre-sale estimates. This guide explores the history of Herend porcelain, how to identify Herend marks and model numbers, its most famous patterns and figures, what makes individual pieces valuable, and how to sell Herend porcelain at auction.
Contact Us TodayHerend porcelain at a glance
Manufacturer: Herend Porcelain Manufactory
Location: Herend, Hungary
Founded: Early 19th century; the forerunner of the manufactory was established by Vince Stingl in 1826
Famous for: Hand-painted porcelain, figurines, animals, birds, tableware and decorative porcelain
Best-known patterns: Victoria, Rothschild, Apponyi, Esterházy and many others
Collecting areas: Figurines, animals, birds, tableware, vases, patterns and decorative porcelain
Herend is particularly associated with highly detailed hand-painted decoration. Its extensive pattern range and individually decorated pieces mean that identifying the exact pattern, model and decoration can be crucial when establishing the value of an item.
What is Herend porcelain?
Herend is a Hungarian porcelain manufacturer based in the village of Herend.
The origins of the manufactory date to the early 19th century. The official Herend history records that Vince Stingl founded the forerunner of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory in 1826.
Herend subsequently developed under the leadership of Mór Fischer, who played a hugely important role in establishing the company’s international reputation.
Fischer’s approach was strongly focused on artistic, hand-painted porcelain. He also developed an extensive range of patterns, many of which were named after important customers and patrons.
Today, Herend is known for both its tableware and its extensive range of porcelain figurines. The manufacturer describes its figurines as ranging from charming and playful pieces to more serious works of art.
Herend porcelain can include:
- Porcelain figurines
- Animal figures
- Bird figures
- Human figures
- Vases
- Plates
- Cups and saucers
- Dinner services
- Bowls and dishes
- Decorative objects
- Floral patterns
- Botanical designs
- Chinese-inspired patterns
- Gold-decorated porcelain
A brief history of Herend porcelain
The history of Herend begins in the early 19th century.
1826 – The Herend factory is established
Vince Stingl founded the forerunner of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory in 1826.
Mór Fischer and the development of Herend
The factory’s subsequent development under Mór Fischer was particularly important.
Fischer was an inventive designer and enthusiastic collector who preserved examples of the factory’s production. His work helped establish Herend as a producer of highly individual, hand-painted porcelain.
He also developed relationships with important patrons and customers, with patterns sometimes being named after the people who commissioned or inspired them.
1851 – The Victoria pattern
One of the defining moments in Herend’s history came at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851.
Queen Victoria ordered a porcelain service decorated with butterflies and flowers. Fischer subsequently named the pattern after her, and it became known as the Victoria pattern.
The pattern remains one of Herend’s most recognisable and collectable designs.
International recognition
Herend continued to achieve international recognition through exhibitions and royal and aristocratic commissions.
Its history includes important exhibitions and awards in cities including London, Paris, St Petersburg, Chicago, St Louis, Milan, Turin and Brussels.
This international history is an important part of Herend’s appeal to collectors today.
How to identify Herend porcelain
Identifying Herend porcelain usually involves examining several features rather than relying on a single mark.
The underside of the piece is particularly important.
Look for:
- The Herend factory mark
- Model or form numbers
- Pattern or decoration codes
- Painted marks
- Impressed numbers
- Hand-painted decoration
- The style and construction of the porcelain
The precise combination of marks and numbers can help identify the piece, its pattern and potentially its period of manufacture.
If you have a piece of Herend porcelain, photograph the underside as well as the front and sides. The information on the base can be extremely useful when researching an item.
Contact Us TodayHerend marks and backstamps
Herend marks are an important part of identifying and dating its porcelain.
The factory has used different marks throughout its history, so the appearance of a Herend backstamp can help provide clues about when a piece was produced.
However, the mark should never be considered in isolation.
A specialist assessment may also consider:
- The factory mark
- Model or form number
- Decoration number
- Painter’s mark
- Pattern
- Shape
- Decoration
- Condition
- Provenance
The combination of these features can be much more useful than any individual mark.
Our forthcoming Herend Marks & Backstamps Guide will explore the different Herend marks in greater detail and explain how they can be used to identify porcelain.
Contact Us TodayHerend model numbers and decoration codes
Numbers found on the underside of Herend porcelain can be particularly useful.
A piece may have more than one number or code, and these can relate to the form, model or decoration.
For example, our recent Potteries Auctions Fine Art Sale included:
- Kingfisher No. 5168
- Wren No. 2542
Identifying the precise model rather than simply describing an item as a “Herend bird” can make a considerable difference when researching its rarity, previous sales and potential value.
When photographing Herend porcelain for valuation, always include clear images of any numbers or marks found on the base.
Contact Us TodayHerend patterns
Patterns are one of the most important areas of Herend collecting.
The factory developed an enormous range of decorative designs, many of which remain recognisable to collectors today.
Some patterns were inspired by flowers, butterflies and natural subjects, while others drew on Chinese and other Asian decorative traditions.
Important Herend patterns include:
- Victoria
- Rothschild
- Apponyi
- Esterházy
- Queen Victoria variations
- Indian Basket
- Chinese-inspired designs
- Floral patterns
- Butterfly decoration
- Fishnet designs
- Gold-decorated patterns
The history of Herend’s pattern development is closely linked with its important customers. The factory’s museum records patterns including Esterházy, Gödöllő, Miramare, Victoria, Wales, Rothschild, Liechtenstein, Waldstein and Humboldt among its well-known designs.
Our forthcoming Herend Pattern Guide will look at the most important patterns in greater detail.
Contact Us TodayThe Victoria pattern
The Victoria pattern is one of the most famous Herend designs.
Its history dates to the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, where Queen Victoria ordered a service decorated with flowers and butterflies. Mór Fischer subsequently named the pattern after her.
The pattern is characterised by colourful naturalistic decoration, particularly flowers and butterflies, and has remained one of Herend’s best-known designs.
There are also numerous variations and developments of the Victoria design, meaning that identifying a piece as simply “Victoria” may not tell the whole story.
The exact decoration, form and variation can all be relevant when assessing an individual piece.
The Rothschild pattern
The Rothschild pattern is another important area of Herend collecting.
Like many Herend designs, it combines highly detailed hand-painted decoration with a distinctive decorative theme.
The pattern is particularly associated with birds, butterflies and naturalistic imagery.
Different forms and variations can be encountered, so collectors should look carefully at the pattern, shape and markings rather than relying solely on a general description.
Herend figurines
Herend porcelain figurines are among its most popular collectables.
The factory’s figurines encompass an enormous range of subjects, including:
- Birds
- Dogs
- Cats
- Horses
- Wildlife
- Fish
- Exotic animals
- Human figures
- Mythological subjects
- Character figures
Herend’s museum records that figurines and sculptures became particularly prominent during the first half of the 20th century, when large numbers of high-quality figures were produced.
This makes figures an especially interesting area for collectors and auction buyers.
Contact Us TodayHerend animal figures
Animal figures are a particularly important part of the Herend collecting market.
Herend produced finely modelled examples of both familiar domestic animals and exotic wildlife.
Popular subjects can include:
- Birds
- Dogs
- Cats
- Horses
- Owls
- Peacocks
- Pheasants
- Kingfishers
- Wrens
- Fish
- Other wildlife
The quality of the modelling and hand-painted decoration can make these pieces highly attractive to collectors.
Our recent auction results provide a good illustration of the demand for Herend animal figures.
Contact Us TodayHerend bird figures
Birds are particularly well represented among Herend porcelain figures.
Our recent Potteries Auctions Fine Art Sale included several examples.
A group comprising a Herend Kingfisher No. 5168 and Wren No. 2542, together with a Beswick Cedar Waxwing, had an estimate of £40–£80 and sold for an impressive £160.
A separate Herend Peacock also performed strongly, with the approximately 11cm figure estimated at £30–£60 and selling for £110.
These results demonstrate that smaller Herend figures can attract strong competition when the subject, model and condition appeal to collectors.
Herend owl figures
Owls are another popular subject within Herend’s extensive range of animal figures.
A multicoloured Herend Owl perched on a rock offered in our recent Fine Art Sale had an estimate of £60–£120 and sold for £100.
The result illustrates an important point about valuing Herend: an object’s size alone does not determine its value.
The model, subject, decoration, condition and current collector demand all need to be considered.
Herend pheasant figures
Birds such as pheasants also feature among Herend’s decorative animal figures.
A multicoloured Herend Golden Pheasant, measuring approximately 22cm in length, sold for £95.
Together, these recent results demonstrate the breadth of the Herend market — from smaller birds and animals to larger, more elaborate figures.
Contact Us TodayHerend tableware
Although Herend figurines attract considerable collector interest, the company’s traditional production is much broader.
Herend is also renowned for fine porcelain tableware.
The manufacturer’s current range includes:
- Dinner services
- Plates
- Cups
- Saucers
- Bowls
- Jugs
- Sugar bowls
- Tea and coffee services
- Decorative tableware
Herend tableware can be particularly interesting when complete services or groups of matching pieces survive.
Pattern, completeness, condition and rarity can all influence the value of a service.
Herend vases and decorative porcelain
Herend produced a wide variety of decorative porcelain beyond figures and tableware.
Vases, bowls and other decorative forms can feature elaborate hand-painted floral, botanical, animal and Chinese-inspired decoration.
When assessing a Herend vase or decorative piece, it is useful to record:
- Shape
- Height
- Pattern
- Decoration
- Model number
- Marks
- Condition
- Whether it forms part of a matching group
Unusual forms and particularly elaborate decoration can sometimes be especially appealing to collectors.
Contact Us TodayHerend designers and artists
Artists and designers are an important part of the history of Herend porcelain.
Mór Fischer was particularly influential in the development of the factory’s artistic direction and international reputation.
During the 20th century, Herend also produced an increasing number of figurines and sculptures by different artists and designers.
The Herend Porcelain Museum records numerous designers associated with the development of its figurine production, particularly during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.
The designer of a particular figure can therefore be an important factor when researching its history and potential value.
Our forthcoming Herend Designers Guide will explore some of the most important artists associated with the factory.
What is Herend porcelain worth?
There is no single value for Herend porcelain.
Prices can vary considerably depending on exactly what a piece is.
The factors that can influence the value of Herend include:
1. Model
The exact model or form can be crucial.
2. Pattern
Some Herend patterns are considerably more sought after than others.
3. Subject
Particular animals, birds and figures can attract strong collector demand.
4. Rarity
Scarce models and unusual pieces can command a premium.
5. Condition
Chips, cracks, restoration and damage can have a significant impact on value.
6. Age
The production period can be important, although age alone does not determine value.
7. Decoration
Highly detailed or unusual hand-painted decoration can increase collector interest.
8. Completeness
Matching pairs, groups and complete services can sometimes be more desirable than individual pieces.
9. Provenance
A documented history can add interest and, in some circumstances, value.
10. Current collector demand
Ultimately, an auction result reflects what buyers are prepared to pay at a particular time.
Recent Herend porcelain auction results
Potteries Auctions recently offered a selection of Herend porcelain in a Fine Art Sale.
The results included:
| Herend item | Estimate | Sold for |
|---|---|---|
| Kingfisher No. 5168 & Wren No. 2542, with Beswick Cedar Waxwing | £40–£80 | £160 |
| Herend Peacock | £30–£60 | £110 |
| Herend multicoloured Owl | £60–£120 | £100 |
| Herend multicoloured Golden Pheasant | £60–£120 | £95 |
The Kingfisher and Wren group was particularly notable, achieving £160 — double the top end of its estimate.
These results demonstrate the potential of the Herend market, but they should not be interpreted as fixed valuations. Every piece needs to be assessed individually.
Contact Us TodayHow to value Herend porcelain
If you have inherited Herend porcelain, purchased pieces from an antiques dealer or discovered a collection that you would like to sell, identifying the individual pieces is the best place to start.
Look for:
The factory mark — Photograph the complete underside.
The model or form number — Record all numbers carefully.
The pattern or decoration code — These can be particularly useful when identifying Herend designs.
The subject — Record exactly what the figure depicts.
The dimensions — Height and length can help distinguish similar models.
The condition — Check carefully for chips, cracks, restoration and damage.
The provenance — Keep any paperwork or information about where the porcelain came from.
A professional valuation can then take these factors into account alongside previous auction results and current collector demand.
Contact Us TodayIs Herend porcelain a good investment?
Herend is highly collectable, but it is important not to assume that every piece bearing a Herend mark will automatically be valuable.
The market is driven by collector demand.
Some patterns and models are widely available, while others can be much harder to find. Condition, decoration and subject can also have a major influence on desirability.
For this reason, the most useful question is not simply:
“How old is my Herend?”
but:
“Exactly what Herend piece do I have, how rare is it, and what are collectors currently prepared to pay for it?”
Auction results can provide useful evidence when answering that question.
How to sell Herend porcelain
If you are considering selling Herend porcelain, you may have several options, including private sale, specialist dealers or auction.
For unusual, rare or collectable pieces, auction provides access to multiple potential buyers rather than relying on a single offer.
At Potteries Auctions, we can assess individual Herend pieces as well as larger collections.
We consider:
- Identification
- Model numbers
- Patterns
- Designers
- Condition
- Rarity
- Previous auction results
- Current market demand
- How the porcelain can best be presented to potential buyers
Whether you have a single Herend bird, an animal figure, a collection of figurines or a complete table service, specialist assessment can help determine the most appropriate route to market.
Contact Us TodayHerend collecting: where should you start?
Herend is a huge collecting field, which is one of the reasons it remains so fascinating.
A collector might specialise in:
- Herend animal figures
- Herend birds
- Herend human figures
- Herend tableware
- Victoria pattern
- Rothschild pattern
- Apponyi pattern
- Particular designers
- Specific model numbers
- Early Herend porcelain
- Rare or unusual forms
- Chinese-inspired decoration
Learning to recognise Herend’s marks, patterns, model numbers and distinctive hand-painted decoration can transform the way you look at individual pieces.
Have Herend porcelain to sell?
Whether you have inherited a Herend collection, own a single porcelain bird or figure, or have accumulated pieces over many years, Potteries Auctions can help you understand what you have and how it may perform at auction.
Our specialists can assess Herend figures, birds, animals, vases, tableware and other porcelain.
If you would like professional advice about the identification, value or sale of your Herend porcelain, contact Potteries Auctions to arrange a valuation.
Contact Us TodayFrequently asked questions about Herend porcelain
What is Herend porcelain?
Herend is a Hungarian porcelain manufacturer renowned for finely decorated, hand-painted porcelain, including figurines, tableware, animals, birds and decorative pieces.
Is Herend porcelain valuable?
Some Herend porcelain can be highly valuable, while other pieces are more affordable. Value depends on the individual model, pattern, rarity, condition, decoration, provenance and current collector demand.
How can I tell if my porcelain is Herend?
Examine the underside for the Herend factory mark and any model, form or decoration numbers. The porcelain’s decoration, pattern and construction can also help with identification.
What is the most famous Herend pattern?
The Victoria pattern is among the most famous Herend designs. It was named after Queen Victoria following her order for a Herend service at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London.
What are the most collectable Herend figures?
Herend produced a huge variety of collectable figures, including birds, dogs, horses, owls, pheasants and other animals, as well as human and character figures. Desirability varies considerably between individual models.
Is old Herend porcelain worth more?
Not necessarily. Age is only one factor. Rarity, model, pattern, condition, decoration and collector demand can be more important than age alone.
Are Herend animal figures valuable?
They can be. Recent Potteries Auctions results demonstrate strong interest in Herend animal figures, with a Kingfisher and Wren group selling for £160, a Peacock selling for £110, an Owl for £100 and a Golden Pheasant for £95.
Should I sell Herend porcelain individually or as a collection?
It depends on what you have. Particularly desirable individual figures may benefit from being offered separately, while matching groups, pairs or collections can also appeal to specialist collectors.
A specialist auctioneer can advise on the most appropriate approach.
Herend at Potteries Auctions
Potteries Auctions has specialist experience in ceramics, porcelain and collectables, with Herend among the international porcelain manufacturers that appear in our Fine Art and specialist auctions.
Our recent results demonstrate the variety of Herend material that can come to market, from highly detailed bird figures and exotic animals to decorative porcelain.
If you have Herend porcelain and would like professional advice about its identification, value or sale, contact Potteries Auctions to arrange a valuation.