Originalfigur

Originalfigur is a German-language term that translates roughly as "original figure." It is not a fixed technical term with a singular definition; its meaning varies by context and field. In German-speaking art, industry, and collector circles, it can refer to the source figure from which other forms are derived, or to the canonical representation of a character or subject.

In sculpture and toy production, the original figure denotes the master model or prototype used to produce molds, casts, or digital files. This original is typically created in clay, wax, resin, or via digital sculpting and is documented to guide accurate reproduction and quality control.

In media, literature, and cosplay communities, the term may describe the canonical version of a figure or character as introduced in the source material, as opposed to later adaptations or fan interpretations.

In commerce and collecting, Originalfigur is sometimes used to indicate authenticity, implying that a product comes from the original manufacturer or licensed producer rather than an unlicensed copy. Buyers should verify licensing, provenance, and packaging to confirm authenticity.

See also: prototype, master model, canonical character, figurine, licensing, authentication.