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Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €2,106     $2,286
£1,800
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

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Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s

18th century
Description

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

Man

Height: 22.8 cm

Width: 11 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Weight: 748 g

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.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22.8cm (8.98")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Limbach Porcelain Gardener Figurines to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1131012
Description
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.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

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.

fig 1. A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
fig 1. Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s

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.

fig 2. A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
fig 2. Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s

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.

fig 3. A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
fig 3. Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s

Dimensions

Man

Height: 22.8 cm

Width: 11 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Weight: 748 g

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.

fig 4. A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
fig 4. Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s

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.

Height
22.8cm (8.98")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Limbach Porcelain Gardener Figurines to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1131012
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
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Archive I A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.

Limbach Thuringia Antique German Porcelain Figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, C. 1770s

Archive II A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View II
Archive III A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View III
Archive IV A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View IV
Archive V A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View V
Archive VI A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View VI
Archive VII A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View IX
Archive X A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View X
Archive XI A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View XI
Archive XII A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
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A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
Limbach Thuringia antique German porcelain figurines of "Gardeners" by Gotthelf Greiner, c. 1770s
Ref: SA1131012
A pair of 18th-century German porcelain figurines depicting a male and female gardener standing beside fruiting trees on Rococo scrollwork bases.
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Archival Detail
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Thuringia became a major centre for German porcelain production during the mid-to-late 18th century, established by figures such as Gotthelf Greiner. Factories in regions like Limbach produced hard-paste porcelain figurines reflecting Rococo artistic trends, often depicting pastoral motifs, allegorical figures, and contemporary trades.

These figures were cast using hard-paste porcelain composed of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. After an initial bisque firing, the pieces were glazed, fired again at high temperatures, and subsequently decorated by hand using overglaze enamel pigments and gilding before a final low-temperature firing.

Authentic pieces display period-appropriate factory marks, such as the crossed trefoils or letters associated with Limbach, painted underglaze or overglaze. Examination of the hard-paste body, tool marks from hand-modelling, characteristic Rococo scrollwork bases, and slight irregularities in glaze wear helps verify age.

Porcelain figurines function as accent pieces when placed on a fireplace mantelpiece, within a glass display cabinet, or alongside books on open shelving. Pairing delicate ceramics with neutral backgrounds or minimalist furniture creates an intentional visual contrast in contemporary spaces.

Dust figures regularly using a soft, dry camel-hair brush to prevent dirt buildup in detailed areas. Avoid immersing pieces with historic restoration or cold paint in water, and never use abrasive chemical cleaners or ultrasonic baths on antique glaze.
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