Introduction of Gerbing & Stephan Ceramics Manufactory

The manufactory operating under the name Schiller & Gerbing and later Gerbing & Stephan was one of the significant Central European majolica manufacturers of the 19th century. The workshop, founded in 1829 in Bodenbach, achieved early successes in the field of terracotta and majolica decorative ceramics, winning medals at prestigious industrial exhibitions and obtaining international orders. Under the management of Gerbing & Stephan, established in 1861, the factory developed a complete ornamental range, from vases and decorative objects to functional ceramics. The company's products reflect the demanding craftsmanship and rich plastic form language of the historicizing style. By the 1880s, the manufactory had gained serious professional recognition, but it could not adequately respond to the rise of Art Nouveau. Due to a lack of innovation and market changes, the factory closed in 1903. Today, Gerbing & Stephan majolicas are sought after and easily identifiable pieces of 19th century European decorative ceramic culture.