In our workshop | |
In
our workshop Upper Lusatian figures in costume, angels and miners as well
as representations of old handcrafts are made. They are all signed, provided
with a certificate, and are made in a limited edition of a maximum of
50 pieces a year. The certificates also provide a historical summary of
the old handcrafts, traditions and customs of Saxony and Upper Lusatia
for each figure. |
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In
creating our figures we employ various techniques of handwork which have
their roots in the tradition of the toymakers’ craft such as turning,
turning on a hoop, and carving parts of figures, modelling beards and
hair as well as utilizing materials such as linen, leather and hemp to
give our figures their living appearance. |
This
technique was widespread in some areas in the middle of the 19th century
for details of figures, animals, carriages and pyramids. For example,
in the area of Annaberg between 1870 and 1930 pewter alloy was used for
the completion of tools, legs, antlers, ears, etc., chiefly of figures
and animals made from papier mache or dough, as an insertion. Among pyramid makers there were also some to be found who surrounded their pyramids with little pewter fences of which only a few examples can be appreciated today in the Erzgebirge and Dresden folk art museums. Many techniques of handwork have been lost to industrially-made products. Only in small handwork businesses have such old techniques of handcraft survived until today or been rediscovered in the last few years. |
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The
special combination of wood and pewter formed the basis for a pyramid
which was newly made in the year 1996 as a masterpiece in our workshop,
following historical examples, and since then will be made by special
order for our customers. A special value was attached to this pyramid
which was detailed with the carefully worked pewter fence which was expected
by well-heeled customers of this sort of single piece in the 19th century,
but later abandoned because of cost factors. |
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We took up this old tradition, designed its production anew, and can now provide you the original in its impressive beauty as the only workshop to do so in Saxony. |
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In
the last few years in addition to the Christmas pyramids, all kinds
of other figures of village life of Upper Lusatia and its traditional
handcrafts have been developed. Ideas and development of these rest
on our own designs, which are closely dependent upon literary and museum
sources. This is true for the entire decoration of the figures, the
body, the necessary tools of the trade and the color selection. |
collect these small treasures of old Saxon folkart and to invite you to
visit in our workshop during your stay in Upper Lusatia. Your
wooden toy maker master |
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