Steiff’s Commedia dell’Arte Teddy Bears

This entry looks into the Commedia dell’Arte themed teddybears made and produced by the Steiff Company between 1925 and 2023.

”For more than 140 years, Steiff Teddy bears have stood for comfort, trust and precious memories. Each bear is a work of art, crafted with unique care and precision and a deep respect for tradition.
In a journey from the past to the present, the plush companions show how the spirit of the times has changed over the years, but above all what has remained the same: the Steiff value proposition, which then as now stands for the highest quality, genuine craftsmanship and attention to detail.”

- Steiff

STEIFF TEDDYBÄR PIERROT (2006)

*Above images via alebrac_44 on Ebay.fr, https://www.ebay.fr/itm/156145948855*

*Image above via ShirleysColTreasures on Etsy*

***The certificate of authenticity reads:***

***CERTIFICATE***
*The combination of traditions with new, innovative ideas is one of the most important principles in the work of the designers at Margarete Steiff GmbH.*
***With the teddy bear Pierrot, the extraordinary, two-tone design of the famous teddy bear Harlequin was combined with the appearance of Pierrot.***

***Teddy bear Pierrot***
black/white, 26 cm
Limited edition 2,006 pieces worldwide
*This exclusive teddy bear was made with the greatest care from fine alpaca.*
*The nose and claws are hand-embroidered with black and white thread,*
whereby the embroideries naturally stand out in contrast to the "body color". For a particularly beautiful look, both eyes are backed with white felt. Each teddy bear Pierrot wears a white, consecutively numbered ear tag and a gold-plated “button in the ear”.
***No. 00473***

STEIFF TEDDYBÄR HARLEKIN 1925 (Original)

*Image via Christie’s, https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5359783*

“This bear is probably unique and was perhaps an experimental piece. It is possible that it was actually made by the original owner. After this bear was sold in 1999, Steiff manufactured a limited edition for their Steiff Club members.”
This original bear was most recently sold in auction in 2010 for the price of 46,850 GBP.

STEIFF TEDDYBÄR HARLEKIN 1925 REPLICA (2000/2001)

*Above and below image via* *ShabbyGoesLucky on Etsy*

Text from certificate reads:
“Originally produced in the colourful era of the 1920s, the unique original “Harlequin” Teddy Bear was in private ownership for 75 years before being presented to the public for the very first time during the 3rd Steiff Festival in 1999. “Harlequin” was the visitor’s declared favorite article and fulfilled the high expectations that were made of him in the special auction.
The replica of this bear is stuffed with wood shavings in the traditional manner, is 35 cm (13 ¾ inches) tall and has been carefully hand made of mohair plush. The sides of his body, ears, head, arms, and legs alternate between rich shades of red and blue, whereas the soles of his feet and paws are made of yellow felt. His nose and claws have been lovingly hand stitched with black yarn.
The Teddy bear has jointed arms, legs and head and a press-and-listen voice. One of his eyes is blue and the other is brown. His white ear tag with black inscription is numbered consecutively.
The porcelain pendant he is wearing on a blue satin ribbon around his neck identifies him as the Club Edition for Club year 2000/2001.”

STEIFF TEDDYBÄR HARLEKIN “TEDDIES FOR TOMORROW” 2023

“Steiff's Harlequin Teddy Bear is part of Steiff's Teddies for Tomorrow range. This is an exciting series, which highlights the use of sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials. The latest edition is this very striking Harlequin bear which is crafted from an eye-catching duo of cherry red and aqua blue long pile paper plush fabrics. He has contrasting blue and red glass eyes and is stuffed with corn fibres. Harlequin's feet are made from a bold yellow coloured bio-based Alcantara Leather, which is a soft suede-like material noted for its durability. He also proudly wears a distinguished polished steel motif chest tag.

Limited to only 2020 pieces worldwide, he comes with his numbered certificate in a Steiff gift box with its original protective cardboard outer sleeve.

Size: 30cm / 12 inches tall (standing)

Image via Bear Shop Norwich on Ebay.co.uk

Image via The Bear Shop Norwich on Ebay.co.uk

STEIFF MINIATURES: PEDROLINO (2014)

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Images via jeanmi_1842 on Ebay.co.uk

From Corfebears:

Retired Steiff Bears
PEDROLINO MINIATURE TEDDY BEAR 10CM
Price : £68.95
Size: 10cm (4")
Limited Edition of 1500

Steiff's miniature Pedrolino teddy bear is, along with Harlequin bear, inspired by the Italian Commedia dell'arte theatre style. He is made from high quality artificial silk plush in bright white, with black paw pads.

Pedrolino is tiny in size, but big on detail! His 'buttons' are little black glass pearls and he wears a black tulle ruff with black polka dots. His nose and mouth are hand-stitched and his face is painted in the traditional Pierrot style. Pedrolino is delivered in a Steiff box with numbered certificate of authenticity and bears the Steiff gold-plated button in ear with special elephant motif for 2014.”

STEIFF MINIATURES: HARKLEKIN (2014)

From Corfebears.co.uk:

”Retired Steiff Bears
HARLEQUIN MINIATURE TEDDY BEAR 10CM
”Price : £68.95
Size: 10cm (4")
Limited Edition of 1500

You might have seen news of Steiff's most famous Harlequin bear selling at auction in 2010 for €55,000 (£45,000!). This new Harlequin teddy bear comes in at a much more affordable price!

Harlequin Teddy Bear is made from the finest mohair in contemporary green and pale pink. She wears a pale blue ruff around her neck and a turquoise jester's cap with two antique-look brass bells. She is fully jointed and surface washable. Delivered in a Steiff box with numbered certificate of authenticity and bearing the Steiff gold-plated button in ear with special elephant motif for 2014.”

Sources:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/774197565/steiff-pierrot-bear-limited-edition-new?show_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/4197463169-steiff-pierrot-teddy-bear?referrer=catalog

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/156145948855

https://beargarden.co.uk/products/teddies-for-tomorrow-harlequin-teddy-bear-by-steiff-30cm

https://www.steiffuk.com/product/teddies-for-tomorrow-harlekin-teddy-bear--007415--30cm

https://www.corfebears.co.uk/osp-3550.php

https://www.corfebears.co.uk/osp-3549.php

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155704515345?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050

https://corporate.steiff.com/en/steiff-teddy/iconic-teddy-bears/