Franklin Mint Cleopatra Hand-Painted Porcelain Figurine

This is a finely crafted, hand-painted bisque porcelain figurine depicting an ancient Egyptian noblewoman or queen, likely Cleopatra, originally produced by The Franklin Mint. The figure stands approximately 8 to 10 inches tall and is dressed in a pleated cream-colored gown with elaborate gilded accents. She is shown in a reflective pose, holding a golden hand mirror while adjusting her ornate beaded collar. Her attire features a heavy usage of gold leaf-style paint, particularly on the wide belt, armbands, and crown. The polychrome decoration includes vibrant blue and green tones within the broad Egyptian-style collar and sash. Her hair is rendered in a black pleated style consistent with historical Egyptian wigs. The craftsmanship shows high-quality molded details in the fabric texture and facial features. Structurally, the figurine appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or fading of the paint. While no maker's mark is visible on the bottom in this view, the style and finish are highly characteristic of Franklin Mint's historical series from the late 20th century.

Based on my visual examination of this Franklin Mint 'Cleopatra' bisque porcelain figurine, the piece appears to be in excellent aesthetic condition. The hand-painted polychrome decoration is vibrant, and the gilded accents on the collar, armbands, and mirror show no signs of the oxidation or rubbing often found with age. The structural integrity is sound, with no visible hairline fractures or chips in the delicate pleated gown or the crown's protrusion. This figurine, part of Franklin Mint’s historical series from the late 20th century (circa 1980s-1990s), represents a period of mass-produced luxury collectibles. While the craftsmanship is detailed, the market for Franklin Mint items has softened as demand from the original generation of collectors has decreased. Current market comparables for this specific Cleopatra model on the secondary market typically range from $75 to $160 depending on the presence of the original box and Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The higher end of this range is reserved for specimens in mint condition with verified provenance. It is important to note that this appraisal is based solely on digital images. A physical inspection would be required to verify the 'Franklin Mint' hallmark on the base and to check for professional restorations that may be invisible in photographs. Specifically, I would need to inspect the under-glaze markings to ensure it is not a later imitation. For full authentication, I recommend locating the original documentation or having the item examined under a UV light to confirm the absence of paint touch-ups or structural repairs.