This Royal Dux Bohemia slalom skier figurine is a 1950s white glazed porcelain sculpture designed by Jiří Černoch in Czechoslovakia, with the skier captured leaning sharply into motion.
The long skis, simplified white form, and forward pose fit the clean modernist look associated with postwar Czech design. This example is especially appealing for a ski collection because both original ski poles remain with the figure.
Details
-
Item: Royal Dux Bohemia slalom skier figurine
-
Item Type: Porcelain sports figurine
-
Era: 1950s
-
Materials: High gloss glazed porcelain with original ski poles
-
Color: Glossy white with soft gray shading
-
Maker and Mark: Royal Dux. Base marked ROYAL DUX, HAND PAINTED, MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA, with applied pink triangular Royal Dux mark
-
Pattern or Model: Slalom skier designed by Jiří Černoch. Model number not confirmed from photos
-
Style: Mid Century Modern, Czech modernist, Brussels Style
-
Dimensions: 9 inches tall, 10 inches long, 4 inches wide at widest point. Actual weight 1 pound 8 ounces
-
Special Features: Both ski poles remain present. Dynamic forward leaning skier on elongated porcelain skis
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives
-
Graded Very Good: Shows light use and remains sound and attractive with minor age related wear.
- No chips or cracks could be felt during hands on inspection.
- All porcelain corners and projecting edges feel smooth.
- Both ski poles remain with the figure, an important detail because many surviving examples have lost them.
- Glossy porcelain finish remains bright with the sculptural form clearly defined.
Issues / Wear
- The ski poles show age related discoloration, surface wear, and wear at the tips and circular guards.
- The unglazed underside rim shows light discoloration and surface soil from age and display.
- The poles do not pull free and will be left in place rather than forced.
Condition Grade Key
-
Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
-
Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
-
Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
-
Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
Jiří Černoch became known for Royal Dux designs that used simplified forms and strong body positions to suggest movement rather than relying on small decorative details.
This skier fits naturally into collections of Royal Dux porcelain, Czech modernist design, skiing memorabilia, or mid century sports sculpture.
The surviving pair of ski poles gives this example a more complete silhouette than the many examples encountered without them.
It is the kind of piece that looks almost different from every angle because the motion of the skier is built into the whole form.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
∙[Photo-verified condition], no surprises
∙Packed with our protective packaging standard
∙Ships in 1 business day
∙Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)
Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
I do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
How Reading Vintage sources and grades every piece
