To handle most porcelain or ceramic figurines you are told to lift them by the largest part of the body of the piece.  Because of the frozen lace on an Irish Dresden piece, this is not what you should do.  If you need to handle the Irish Dresden, pick up the piece by the head where there is no lace present.  To clean, use a large bucket filled with a mild dish detergent and water, and hold the piece by the head and submerge in the water.  Keeping the piece totally submerged, move the piece up and down, allowing the water and detergent to clean you piece.  Use extreme caution so as not to hit the side or bottom of the pail.  Allow to air dry and replace in your cabinet.  Picking up an Irish Dresden figurine by the lace will break the end pieces of the lace reducing the value of the piece. You should absolutely minimize the handling of any piece, as the lace is extremely delicate and will break quite quickly.  The beauty of Irish Dresden is in the lace, however, it does tend to collect dust and dirt over years even in a closed case.