{"product_id":"royal-copenhagen-polar-bear-cub-729-first-quality-1969-1973","title":"Royal Copenhagen 'Polar Bear Cub Playing' #729 Denmark c.1969–1973 — First Quality, Knud Kyhn","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere are figurines, and then there are Royal Copenhagen figurines. The difference is in the porcelain — that luminous, high-gloss underglaze finish in muted Scandinavian grey, blue, and the softest blush of pink — and in the design, which in this case goes back to 1904 and the hand of Knud Kyhn, one of Denmark's most celebrated animal sculptors. This polar bear cub, caught mid-play in a posture of complete unselfconsciousness, is one of Kyhn's most enduring works. It has been in continuous production for decades for good reason: it is simply a very beautiful object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example was produced between 1969 and 1973, identifiable by the 'UT beside the lines in blue' painter's mark on the base — the initials of the specific Royal Copenhagen glaze artist who hand-painted the underglaze details. The green 'Denmark' hallmark, the three blue waves (representing the Sound, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt), and the green model number 729 are all present and correct. Kyhn's own incised 'KK' monogram — which reads as a stylised vertical W with a line beneath — is also present, marking his personal authorship of the design. A considered addition to a Scandinavian-inspired interior, a shelf of mid-century European porcelain, or a dedicated Royal Copenhagen collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCritically: this is a confirmed First Quality piece. Royal Copenhagen marked factory seconds with a line scratched directly through the three blue waves; no such mark appears here. This figurine passed the factory's strict quality inspection in Denmark over fifty years ago and has remained in pristine condition ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaker: Royal Copenhagen, Denmark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel: #729 'Polar Bear Cub Playing'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigner: Knud Kyhn (original design c.1904)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: c.1969–1973\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: approx. 6cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 9.5cm x 12cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Underglazed fine porcelain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: High-gloss glaze, muted Scandinavian grey, blue, and soft pink underglaze tones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality: First Quality (unscratched three blue waves)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePristine vintage condition. No chips, no cracks, no repairs. The glaze is perfect and the underglaze painting is crisp and clean. All base markings — the green Denmark stamp, three blue waves, UT painter's initials, green model number 729, and Knud Kyhn's incised KK monogram — are clearly legible. An exceptional example of this model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDust with a soft dry cloth. Do not submerge in water or use abrasive cleaners. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the delicate underglaze tones. Handle with care — fine porcelain, however robust it appears, rewards gentle treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePostage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree tracked postage within Australia, fully insured. This piece is individually wrapped and double-boxed to ensure it arrives at your door in perfect condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Timeless Edit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42491917533230,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2808\/9574\/files\/RoyalCopenhagenPolarBear1.jpg?v=1783478603","url":"https:\/\/jacquifink.com\/products\/royal-copenhagen-polar-bear-cub-729-first-quality-1969-1973","provider":"Jacqui Fink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}