24cm Nativity Candle Arch By Seiffener

Key Features:

• Authentic German Candle Arch (Schwibbogen)
• Produced by Seiffener Volkskunst eG
• Hand crafted in the Erzgebirge, Germany
• Measures 13cm (height), 24cm (width), 10cm (depth)
• Weighs: approximately 300grams
• Impressive design with hand carved wooden figurines
• Features a nativity scene
• 3 x tealight candle holders featured on an arch above the figurines
• Assembled from several individual parts made from local hardwood
• Genuine Erzgebirge folk art
• Excellent gift idea
• Great Christmas table decoration and window light feature
• Beautiful Christmas light feature
• Fast delivery Australia wide
• Free delivery on orders over $400
• Happiness guaranteed

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Designed As A Beacon Of Light And Hope

The Erzgebirge region is certainly no stranger to beautiful handicrafts and Christmas decorations. One beautiful folk art design that originated from the region is a schwibbogen, otherwise known as a candle arch. The name schwibbogen dates back to the middle ages when gothic style architecture was prevalent between the 12th and 16th centuries. In gothic times, a Schwibbogen referred to an arch that was placed between two walls. Originally designed in the mid 1700’s in the town of Seiffen, the very first candle arch was made entirely of iron, crafted by blacksmiths who used materials from the mines. Over the years the design became modified, and today most candle arches are made of wood, using lumber also sourced from the region. 

Erzgebirge candle arches and German Christmas pyramids were both originally designed to assist the miners of the Erzgebirge, offering a source of light and hope after a hard day's work. Whilst German Christmas pyramids were used for light inside the mines themselves, the spouses and families of the miners would light candle arch displays in their windows to light the way home for the miners returning home in the dark. This beautiful tradition has continued into the modern era, with the windows of most shops and homes filled with candle arch displays that paint a beautiful night time scene. Today the majority of designs are produced in Seiffen, with modern designs usually depicting religious or historical scenes.

An Authentic Product From The Erzgebirge

Traditional German Christmas crafts originated in the Ore Mountains, otherwise known as the Erzgebirge in Germany, more than 200 years ago. The picturesque town of Seiffen is world famous for its toy making, and is known as ‘Christmas ornament town’. It was in this region that Erzgebirge mountain folk art originated in the 1700s, with designs including Christmas pyramids (weihnachtspyramide), nutcrackers (Nussknacker), wooden smoking men (räuchermann), wooden figurines and candle arches (schwibbogen), all of which are well loved European Christmas decorations today. The Erzgebirge region is so devoted to Christmas decorations that it is known as the ‘Home of Christmas’.  By purchasing an item that has been crafted in the Erzgebirge, you are supporting a region that honors its heritage and values.

Disclaimer:

Whilst we do our best to accurately capture all products to best represent their natural appearance, the colour and finish of this product may vary slightly from the images on our website.