40cm Turquoise & Gold King Nutcracker By Seiffener

Key Features:

• Authentic German Nutcracker
• Produced by Seiffener Volkskunst eG
• Crafted by artisans in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains)
• Made from Erzgebirge wood
• King in traditional dress with gold crown & sceptre
• Coloured turquoise, gold & white
• Approx 40cm in height
• Authentic Erzgebirge folk art
• Excellent gift idea
• Unique collectable item
• Great Christmas decoration
• Fast delivery Australia wide
• Free delivery on orders over $400
• Happiness guaranteed

The Origin of Traditional German Nutcrackers

According to German folklore, a standing wooden nutcracker (otherwise known as Nussknacker), represented a symbol of power and strength, and was gifted as a keepsake to bring a family good luck, and to protect their home from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, "the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill." These iconic designs were first created in the Erzgebirge region of Germany, and were modeled on the occupations of the local village people, as well as royalty and higher up professions. Some of the more popular designs that are still prevalent today include miners, toy soldiers, hunters, guards and kings, usually painted in bright colours. Almost all of the original nutcracker designs in the late 19th and early 20th century were fully functional at cracking nuts, however modern designs are purely decorative. To this day, the Erzgebirge produces genuine wooden nutcrackers using the same traditional methods for the last 200 years, and remains one of the only regions in the world to do so.

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.