Andrea by Sadek is a name you'll find on porcelain birds, animal figurines, vases and decorative china from the middle of the twentieth century onward. It isn't a pottery. It's the brand of a New York importing company that had its designs made by factories overseas. Here's the story behind the name, how the pieces are marked and what to look for.
The company behind the name
The Charles Sadek Import Company was founded in 1936 by Charles Sadek and his son Norman, and was based in New Rochelle, New York. It began by importing porcelain figurines from manufacturers in Japan. In later decades it also sourced pieces from China, Thailand and other countries.
The Andrea line was named for Andrea Sadek, Norman's daughter. The company stayed in the family for three generations until it was taken over by Fitz and Floyd in 2015.
What Andrea by Sadek sold
- Bird figurines: Detailed porcelain birds, many in matte bisque, are the pieces collectors seek out most.
- Animals and flowers: Owls, wildlife and floral figurines, often on wooden bases.
- Decorative china: Vases, ginger jars, planters, tea sets and covered dishes, many in Asian-inspired blue and white or Imari style patterns.
How the pieces are marked
- Foil or paper stickers reading Andrea by Sadek are the most common mark. Stickers fall off, so plenty of genuine pieces have none.
- A sticker with the name Andrea and a large letter S was in use in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Later pieces usually have a printed mark on the base with the Andrea name.
- Many figurines also carry a style number, and some carry a date.
- The country of origin is a dating clue. Made in Occupied Japan means 1945 to 1952, and Japan alone is typical of the decades after that.
What to check before you buy
- Look at the fragile points. Beaks, wing tips, tail feathers, leaves and petals are where chips happen.
- Look for glue lines and color that doesn't quite match, which can mean a repair.
- If the figurine was sold with a wooden base, check that it's still there.
- Compare the mark and country of origin with the age the seller gives.
Caring for bisque porcelain
Bisque is unglazed, so it holds on to dust and can absorb stains. Dust it with a soft, dry brush and keep it away from kitchen grease. If it needs washing, use a little mild soap and water on a soft brush, rinse and let it air dry. Don't soak a piece that has been repaired, because water can loosen old glue.
Andrea by Sadek in the shop
We currently have an Andrea by Sadek barn owl figurine from 1986 on a wooden base. You can also browse our vintage figurines and collectibles for more one-of-a-kind pieces. Every piece is the only one we have.