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A Rare Austrian Painted Terracotta Gnome by Johann Maresch c.1900
The beautifully decorative and very scarce garden gnome in terracotta being polychrome hand decorated, the smiling gnome in a casual seated position and smoking a pipe, the whole with impressed makers mark JM for Johann Maresch, visible with the inventory number 6869, the whole surviving from turn of the century Austria.
The gnome has had some historic repairs, as photographed, with the cracks visible but importantly he remains whole with no losses, with the paintwork beautifully and naturally worn and not restored or re-applied. The repairs could be more professionally rendered and blended if so desired.
It is believed that the very first contemporary-looking garden gnome, with the iconic red hat, was made in Germany by sculptor Phillip Griebel. Soon, the fashion had spread across Europe, from England to Poland. In the 19th century, Sir Charles Isham brought several gnomes to England, introducing them to the new market. He is credited with beginning the tradition of garden gnomes in the United Kingdom, where they were nicknamed “Lampy.” One replica is still preserved and displayed in Lamport Hall, the Isham family residence in Northamptonshire.
Johann Maresch is the co-founder of the famous Johann Maresch Siderolith and Terracotta Manufactory in Aussig on the Elbe. The company was founded in 1841 and had its prime around the time this piece was made in 1900. Johann Maresch’s garden gnomes represent the finest ceramic art at the highest level and this gnome can be seen in the catalogue for 1900. The Maresch factory was renowned at this precise time for producing high quality ceramic figures and large gnomes of which this example is typical. Based in what is now part of the Czech Republic the company produced these figures until 1948, and surviving early examples are now very rare with the world wars wiping out most garden gnome production, making antique gnomes extremely rare today.
A very rare survivor and a beautifully whimsical statement piece of serious collector’s interest.
Make a Clay Gnome Sculpture
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ClassBento donates with every order to
62 mins    
label £15 – £45 (£15 for Class only, no box, £45 for Class and box)
How it works
local_shipping
We’ll send a ClassBento Box to you (a craft kit with what you’ll need). Shipping in the UK is free, and it should arrive within 2 to 4 business days. We ship nationwide.
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Enjoy the online class – after booking, you’ll get a pre-recorded video with instructions. You’re welcome to ask the teacher any questions you have.
What you’ll do
Looking for some relaxing things to do at home? Unwind whilst unleashing your creativity with this pottery kit and on-demand class!
This is a fun and easy workshop that brings fabulous results, so don’t worry if you’re new to pottery making.
During this easy-to-follow pottery class, you will make a characterful gnome from scratch using the air-dry clay found in your pottery kit.
Once you have made your basic gnome sculpture out of clay, you can let yourself get creative and give them a character of their own using your acrylic paints.
Knowledge required
Beginner Friendly
 
What you’ll get in your craft kit
- A generous amount of air-dry clay*
- A selection of tools
- 1 x disposable apron
- 6 x acrylic paints
- 3 x brushes
- A plastic pot for slip
What you’ll need
If you choose to purchase the class only, please bring the materials found in the pottery kit (listed above).
 
Suitable for
Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 7 years old).
An adult must be present whilst kid(s) engage with the box.
Your teacher
5.0 (5)
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Contact
National and international award winning sculptor and painter. I studied Fine Art at UCLAN as a mature student and have never looked back! I eventually got around to following my dreams in my thirties and have been creating and teaching ever since. I now run workshops from my home in Trawden, a beautiful village on the edge of Lancashire and have over twenty years of experience teaching adults and children from all around the world. My art practice is extremely fluid as I flit from one thing to another as my mind wanders and takes flight. I create animal characters with very human leanings and humans with animalistic leanings, I paint and I draw and I love to go on an adventure or three. I have two grown up children that make me proud and a partner who does all the filming and editing for the digital workshops, writes children’s books and plays drums in a band. I play guitar and sing loudly and love to walk in the hills where I dream up my creations.
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More about this class
This teacher has a 5.0 average rating (out of 5) on Facebook, with 51+ reviews
$58.95
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These two Traveling Gnomes and Garden Friends Statues will add a delightful dose of whimsy to your indoor or outdoor spaces. Crafted from terracotta, each figure features a cheerful gnome catching a ride from one of his backyard buddies: one sits atop a turtle, while the other rides on the back of a friendly frog.
Cast from highly detailed original sculptures, each figure is painted in bright hues that add a springtime feel to any space. This charming set of two garden gnomes makes a truly unique and thoughtful gift.
- Set of two riding gnome statues
- One rides a turtle, the other rides a frog
- Crafted from terra-cotta and featuring a glazed finish and colorful details
- Outdoor safe and weather-resistant
- Perfect for gardens, lawns, flower beds and more
- For longest life and enjoyment, store these gnomes indoors during winter to prevent freezing and cracking
Approx. 6½”L x 5¼”W x 8¾”H
Dimensions
Approx. 6½”L x 5¼”W x 8¾”H
Please note: Earthenware is porous and can retain moisture. It is not frost-proof. For longest life and enjoyment, store your gnomes indoors during winter to prevent freezing and cracking.
