THE ART OF COLLECTING PIXIES!
What are "Pixies"?
The "Pixies" that seem to tickle the fancy of collectors are generally from the 1940's and 1950's although there are others that were produced both before and after this time period. Pixies are small, usually winsome-looking little creatures found adorning a variety of household items - most notably, they are found on planters or as single figurines.
The Eyes have
it... and oh, those Ears!
Pixies can generally be easily identified by their facial features and all must have pointed ears to qualify as a "Pixie" and not just some ordinary character. Confusion can often occur when those unfamiliar with "Pixie Characteristics" assume that their little boy figurine is a pixie just because he is so darned cute! Dimples are found on Pixies produced by several different manufacturers in an attempt to imitate more successful productions. Check out those dimples carefully as your keen eye will eventually be able to see differences. Note the flesh tone used on hands and faces; some are abnormally dark while others are delicately tinted. Some Pixies have been left with a bisque (unglazed) finish.
Crude features and harsh colors are often found on items that originated in Ceramic Shops by individual crafters and/or on the cheaper knock-offs imported from Japan in the 1950's and 1960's. Ceramic Shop items on the other hand, are often extremely well done, depending on the individual person's ability with a brush - particularly in detailed areas like eyes.
Oh, alright! So some of our "Pixies" have been labeled as other than "Pixie" by their respective manufacturer -- case in point are the Treasure Craft "Sprites" and Royal Copley "Elves"! But then, Pixie collectors are very forgiving and tend to adopt all of these variants into their "Pixie Collection". I do, but generally not those with real, honest-to-goodness beards! Look at the photos below for head shots by various manufacturers. See the differences? Some differences are subtle and others quite obvious to the critical eye.
As a collector or as a seller, one should become familiar with facial features since certain "looks" can be easily attributed to different manufacturers. Again, we say "Beware!" Pixies have pointed ears! They do not have beards. 
Distinctive Fashion
Statements...
Pixie clothing is often very distinctive, too. Color has a lot to do with identifying both manufacturers and dates; maroon, chartreuse, bright red and dark green are most often found during the late 1940's and early 1950's. Turquoise and pink generally indicate a later 1950's manufacturing date. Different manufacturers have their Pixies dressed in costumes that usually have a distinctive look. Look at the style of buttons, shoes, and collars. Look at the caps... is it long and pointed? Or is it smaller and rounded? Examine the cap for telltale designs (leaves, creases, etc).
It's all in the "eye of the beholder" and what appeals to you when adding a new Pixie to your collection! Some of us like 'em all, while others go for a particular "look" or collect only those made by a particular manufacturer. Crudely done items and/or those that originated in a ceramic shop are often found mixed in with the "best" of
Pixie collections. Maybe it's because each Pixie has it's very own special personality?
It has been said that three of any one item is a "collection"! If that is true, then grabbing up three winsome little pixie figurines will give you a collection... and it's off to the races! Generally, one should always consider the condition of the item. One that has dings or chips should not command "top dollar". Pixies with "cold paint" on their costumes or facial details can often suffer from age, resulting in missing or peeling paint - not a pretty sight!What is a "Collection"?
What to look for when buying a new Pixie
I personally shudder when I find a Pixie that has a high price tag when an arm, leg or head has been re-glued or when there is other damage. I have been known to buy a damaged Pixie, but only when it is one I have never seen before or if it happens to have an original sticker or other identifying mark on the piece (only because I want to have absolute identification of a manufacturer that may have previously eluded me). Paying your good money for damaged items is always a decision that you must make based on how badly you want the item - only you can decide what it is ultimately worth to you.
ALWAYS check a Pixie's arms, legs and neck for any tell-tale signs of repair since they are often the most vulnerable parts and frequently damaged! A reputable seller should make such repairs/damage known, but it is still "Buyer
Beware" - and some repairs have been done remarkably
well, making it easy for anyone to miss the earlier damage.
The photograph above shows how some people try to camouflage damaged items. Note the "gold" trim that has been painted on the leaf edge (covering up a small chip) and on the tip of the Pixie's hat where another small chip has been painted as well. It pays to examine items carefully -- always run your fingers around edges. Carrying a magnifying glass has saved me from mistakes many a time!
Which Pixies should you collect?
The best rule of thumb is for you to collect the type of Pixie that appeals the most to you. Some collectors prefer collecting Pixies made by a specific manufacturer, while others collect a particular item (like figurines or planters). And then there are collectors I know (ahem!) who begin branching out and grab whatever they can find so as to develop a "well-rounded" collection of Pixies! Whatever appeals to you is always the best way to go!
What types of Pixie items are there?
There are literally dozens of different Pixie items! There are cookie jars, salt & pepper shakers, plates, planters, pictures! Boxes, ashtrays, toothpick holders, egg-timers, figurines, and wall pockets! A fish bowl! Jewelry! Books! And how about a child's lamp (circa 1950) to complete a genuine Pixie collection!
You name it and you can probably find it! Many of these items
can be classified as "Compatibles" or "Go Withs" because they are either compatible with or go with other Pixie items to complement
a collection. How far you go is entirely up to you and your budget... or your china cupboard's size... or your family's cries for surrender...
Care & Nurture of Pixies!
Care for Pixies the same way you would any other prized collection. Displaying behind glass doors is best, although we all know that may not be possible (especially when they begin to proliferate)! Washing them gently with warm soapy water will remove dust, but exercise caution on Pixies that have been "cold-painted" to prevent removal of paint.
TIP: If a bisque face has become a bit grubby, try gently using a gum eraser to remove minor
dirt (doesn't always work, but worth a try). Do NOT wash them in a dishwasher or use a harsh abrasive on them...
And here's a timely tip from Kristin, a real pro at collecting Pixies:
When shipping or storing, NEVER wrap Pixies with bisque faces or hands in newspaper!
One guess what newsprint does to bisque...
Kristin says it just never comes off, no matter what you try!
Check out an idea that has worked for us and other collectors we know for protecting those "Shelf Sitters" from disaster.
Where do Pixies come from?
Children's fairy tales of yesteryear abound with stories of pixies, elves and fairies! Take your pick and go from there...
I personally prefer to picture myself discovering a
"Posse of Pixies" in a quiet wooded glen surrounded by trees with singing birds. And toadstools. After all, haven't you noticed that many of our little Pixie items always feature
stumps, toadstools and/or little forest animals? As far as I am concerned, the forest is where the Pixies come from and no cross-eyed look from my husband will ever convince me otherwise!
What's the difference between Pixies and Elves?
It's a matter of genetics and genealogy - they descend from two different families. Oh, yes... Pixies do not have beards but Elves do! Elves are known to be a bit crankier at times while Pixies have a reputation for being downright mischievous. This is, of course, ignoring the fact mentioned earlier that some manufacturers called their little fellas "Elves" -- I assume they just didn't realize someone was going to come along later and define the two?
What's the difference between Pixies and Woodland Fairies?
Well, as close as I can figure, Pixies do not have wings but Woodland Fairies do. But I have also heard that Pixies just haven't earned their wings yet! At any rate, documentation (through a number of artist's pictures, of course) indicates that they may be related and often gather together for social events. Case in point: Margaret Tarrant's wonderful pictures and postcards, some of which can be seen in the Compatible section!
NOTE: More
Pixie collecting hints can be found
on the upcoming "Pixie Watch" CD.
Send us an
email if you wish to be notified when the "Pixie
Watch" CD is available!
This page last edited 07/20/04
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