A pair of antique hand-painted bisque porcelain figurines crafted by Gebrüder Heubach in 1879. The pieces depict young gardeners dressed in ornate Rococo-style attire adorned with gold trim. The young man holds an axe, and his belt buckle features the initials “GH” (Gebrüder Heubach), while the girl, with curled hair, carries a basket likely filled with strawberries. The bases are decorated with light-colored scroll motifs typical of Heubach’s designs. Impressed numerals “1879 II” on the side of the base likely indicate the year of manufacture, as the firm’s iconic “sunset” mark was not introduced until 1880.
In 1840, brothers Christoph and Philipp Heubach acquired a porcelain factory in Lichte, Thuringia, Germany. Initially producing household pottery and figurines, they established a school for sculptors in the 1860s, cultivating the talent needed for their expansive range of designs. Gebrüder Heubach gained renown in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for their figurines, dolls, and decorative porcelain. Their accolades include a silver medal at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and another gold medal at the 1906 Milan International Exposition.
Works by Gebrüder Heubach are held in prestigious institutions worldwide, including:
The Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Dresden Porcelain Museum (Germany)
Their pieces frequently appear at major auctions, such as those hosted by Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and remain highly collectible today, prized for their artistry and craftsmanship.
These figurines are particularly sought-after in Western Europe, especially Germany, where private collectors often compete for the most intricate and rare examples.
Young Man
Dimensions: 32.7 cm (H) × 14 cm (W) × 10 cm (D)
Weight: 776 grams
Condition: Minor firing crack on the axe handle; small firing crack at the center of the back; paint loss on the axe blade. Otherwise in excellent antique condition with no restoration.
Girl
Dimensions: 32.5 cm (H) × 14.5 cm (W) × 10 cm (D)
Weight: 891 grams
Condition: No visible damage or restoration; excellent antique condition.
The accompanying photographs are essential to this description. Please review them carefully. Questions are welcome. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs cover labor, packaging, and postage.
Antique Number: SA1123577
Dateline of this antique is 1880
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