Vintage hand-painted German porcelain butterfly figurine in red, white, and gold—a delicate miniature collectible for shelves, curio cabinets, or gifts.
Details
• Item: Hand-painted porcelain butterfly figurine
• Maker: Most likely Metzler & Ortloff, marked Germany for export
• Era: Likely 1930s–1960s
• Material: Porcelain
• Measurements: Approx. 2 inches tall x 2 5/8 inches wide
Style note
• Color palette: White porcelain with rich red detailing, warm gold accents, and fine black line work
• Design: Open-wing butterfly form with stylized eye motifs, scalloped wing edges, and gold-trimmed contours
• Finish: Glossy glazed porcelain with hand-painted decoration
• Style notes: Elegant mid-century European decorative porcelain with a delicate cabinet display feel
• Visual appeal: Small but striking, with crisp contrast between the white body and the red-and-gold wing patterning
Suggested uses: Curio cabinet display, vanity decor, spring shelf styling, butterfly collection, cottage or romantic decor accent
Condition
This figurine is in good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear visible on close inspection.
• Gilt loss and rubbing are visible along the wing edges and some raised details
• Light surface wear and minor paint wear are present, especially around the gold decoration
• The underside shows shelf wear, light discoloration, and age-related grime/residue
• A tiny dark line is visible on the base rim/underside area in the photo; from the images alone, I cannot confirm whether this is a glaze line, surface mark, or hairline, so I’m leaving that point neutral rather than guessing
• No obvious large chips or major structural breaks are visible in the provided photos
Overall, it displays beautifully with strong color and a delicate decorative presence
✨ Collector’s Notes
Small German porcelain animal figurines have long been loved for their detailed hand-painting and refined display quality. This butterfly has especially pretty color contrast and a graceful silhouette that makes it an appealing cabinet or shelf collectible.
A charming little piece for someone who loves butterflies, porcelain, or old-world decorative details.
Please review all photos closely—they’re part of the description and show the exact item you’ll receive
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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.
While I do my best to capture colors accurately, 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.
