Hummel Figurine Copies

Q: Were Hummel figurines ever made in Japan. I thought they were all made in Germany by the Goebel factory?

A: Hummel figurines, based on the drawings of Berta Hummel were first made in 1935 by the W. Goebel Porcelain factory in Germany. They became very popular and were a major collectible for many years. When World War II ended, exported merchandise had to be marked “Occupied Japan.” This was required from 1947 to 1952 when there were still American troops occupying Japan. Ceramics were a major Japanese export, and they copied many best selling pieces made in Germany, England, the United States and other countries. Many copies of Hummel figurines were made and marked “Occupied Japan.” Prices for German Hummel figurines have dropped since 2008. But Japanese figurines were always less expensive and, because there are Occupied Japan collectors who want them, they have remained about the same price as before. Real Hummels were made by Goebel until 2008 when several other German factories got the rights to the Hummels.