Hummel

Manufactured: 1935 to 2008

or the trademark M.I. Hummel is a series of ceramic figurines based on the illustrations by the German nun Maria Innocentia Hummel.

Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel's works were discovered by Franz Goebel after a small publisher began printing her artwork as postcards. Goebel started production of the figurines under the authorization of the convent of Siessen. Although sister Hummel died in 1946 from tuberculosis, Goebel carried her legacy of her design.

The first Hummel figurines were sold in 1935. The figurines are all based on the drawings and paintings of children by sister Hummel. Though much of the art was done in the 1930s, the newer figurines have adopted a more contemporary appearance.

In addition to figurines of children, there are figurines of saints - a stylistic departure from the figurines of playful children.

production of Hummel figurines ceased as of October 2008. However in february 2009 it was announced that Manufaktur Rodental GmbH, planned to resume M.I. Hummel production.