In the 1960s, small decorative sculptures made of porcelain came out of Poland, creating a new aesthetic that was christened “New Look”. The objects were the works of four designers associated with the Institute of Industrial Design: Henryk Jędrasiak, Mieczysław Naruszewicz, Hanna Orthwein and Lubomir Tomaszewski.

The New Look pieces were decidedly charming. Most endearing perhaps were the animal figurines which feature biomorphic lines, artistic asymmetry and abstractions that emphasized simplicity and individual expressions. Another signature feature was the liberal use of negative space that recall the sculptures of Henry Moore.

Until recently, Ćmielów figurines could be bought cheaply at flea markets. Today, rare models fetch hundreds of dollars in private sales and public auctions.