Extremely Rare Limbach Porcelain Figurines, “Gardeners” by Gotthelf Greiner, c.1772-1787
An exceptionally rare pair of German hard-paste porcelain figurines, created by Gotthelf Greiner at the Limbach manufactory. These figurines, titled “Gardeners,” depict a young couple harvesting crops. The man holds a branch, while the woman carries a basket filled with fruits or vegetables. The craftsmanship is outstanding, with intricate detailing on the faces, clothing, and the finely sculpted grass and foliage, all contributing to the lifelike quality of the figures.
Marked with the crossed L's dating to 1772-1787, these figurines are remarkably well-preserved, with their original colours and enamels intact—an extremely rare find. The exceptional quality and condition of these pieces make them comparable to museum exhibits, especially considering their survival for over two centuries. It’s likely that production was limited, with some pieces lost over time and others making their way into private collections.
The Limbach Porcelain Manufactory, founded in 1751 by Johann Gotthelf Greiner in Limbach, Thuringia, Germany, played a key role in the development of Thuringian porcelain. Greiner's work and contributions to the porcelain industry are highly significant, and his figurines remain highly sought after by collectors.
Dimensions
Young Man
- Height: 22.8 cm
- Width: 11 cm
- Depth: 11 cm
- Weight: 748 g
Young Woman
- Height: 21.2 cm
- Width: 11 cm
- Depth: 11 cm
- Weight: 797 g
Condition
The figurines are in excellent antique condition, with their colons and enamels fully preserved. The Young Man has a broken-off piece of the branch he holds, and both hands have been professionally restored, which is visible under UV light. The Young Woman has had the left hand professionally restored (visible under UV light), and there is a small chip on one of the leaves. Despite these minor imperfections, both figurines have retained their beauty and remain highly collectible.
Shipping & Packaging
- Shipped fully tracked and insured.
- Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please carefully review all photos before purchasing, as they form an integral part of this description. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.