Bing & Grondahl 'The First Kiss' Porcelain Figurine #1614

This is an authentic Bing & Grondahl (B&G) porcelain figurine titled 'The First Kiss' (Den første kys), assigned model number 1614. Standing approximately 6 3/4 inches tall, the figurine depicts a young girl in a long white nightgown and bonnet leaning in to kiss a boy dressed in blue shorts and a white short-sleeved shirt. The piece is crafted from fine Danish porcelain with a high-gloss lead glaze. Characteristic of the Copenhagen style, it features a muted, underglaze color palette consisting of soft blues, greys, and pale flesh tones. The girl's gown and bonnet are accented with delicate blue floral or dotted patterns. The craftsmanship is of high quality, with smooth transitions between the figures and a serene, nostalgic expression on their faces. As reported by the owner, the underside contains the Bing & Grondahl trademark stamp (the three towers of Copenhagen) and likely the initials of the painter. Given its purchase in 1972, the stamp likely features 'Copenhagen Porcelain' encircling the towers. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, maintaining its original lustrous finish. The modeling is attributed to artist Aksel Locher, representing a classic example of early 20th-century Danish porcelain design that remained popular through the mid-to-late 20th century.

I have conducted a thorough examination of the Bing & Grondahl 'The First Kiss' (model #1614) based on the high-resolution data provided. Designed by Aksel Locher, this piece is a quintessential example of Danish underglaze technique. The execution of the 'Copenhagen Blue' palette is consistent with factory standards from the 1970 production era. The glaze appears consistent with a high-gloss lead finish, showing no visible signs of crazing, which is common in pieces of this age. Authenticity is supported by the specific modeling of the hair and garment folds, which match known factory molds. The market for mid-late 20th-century Danish porcelain currently presents a significant supply, as these figures were popular exports and wedding gifts. While 'The First Kiss' remains one of B&G's most iconic and endearing designs, its high production volume keeps it in the 'collectible' rather than 'rare' category. Recent auction results and specialized dealer inventories show realized prices typically falling between $100 and $200 for specimens in mint condition. Values are heavily dependent on the integrity of the delicate extremities, such as the girl's bonnet and the boys' heels. This assessment assumes the item is a 'First Quality' piece (indicated by the lack of a scratch through the three towers mark). While the visual evidence is compelling, a definitive valuation requires physical inspection to detect professional restorations under UV light, which can be invisible to the naked eye. To finalize authentication, I would recommend verifying the painter's initials against factory records and ensuring the glaze surface lacks any 'flea bite' chips not captured in the imagery.