This included making handmade german nutcrackers, smokers, and cuckoo clocks. Originally from austria, the steinbach family history dates back to the th century. Jul 20, 2015 vintage matthes german wooden nutcracker bar stool 31 tall oktoberfest stay safe and healthy. Since then, german workshops have been busy making similar wooden nutcrackers, especially to meet the demands of u. Where did the first nutcrackers come from christkindlmarkt.
During the civil war, christmas was a festival celebration in the united states, although not yet a holiday. The most common nutcracker is the in the form of a wooden soldier, which weve had for about 200 years now. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and. Nutcrackers are a huge part of christmas decorating. Humpty dumpty steinbach german nutcracker s857 limited edition. Some of the limited editions by steinbach have increased considerably in value through the years. Steinbachgerman nutcrackers, steinbach nutcrackers, steinbach nutcracker, smokers, chubbys, minis, ornaments, herr christian steinbach, german nutcrackers. Learn more about what makes these christmas decorations special, and where you. While nearly all nutcrackers from before the first half of the 20th century are functional, a significant proportion of modern nutcrackers are primarily decorative. Old figures from history become collectors items in their special and individual styles. The standing wooden soldier nutcracker, the iconic nutcracker that we know today, was first made in the sonneberg and ezerberge regions of eastern germany in the early 19 th century. Nutcrackers the finest in german made nutcrackers from christian ulbricht, christian steinbach, richard glasser, kwo, muller and many other firms from the erzgebirgische ore mountain region.
Standing wooden nutcrackers in the form of soldiers and kings were shown in the sonneberg and erzgebirge regions of germany by 1800 and in 1830, the term. German translation of nutcracker collins englishgerman. Authentic german christmas nutcrackers erzgebirge palace. The most common nutcracker is the in the form of a wooden soldier, which weve had for about 200 years. Fun facts about wooden german nutcrackers posted by douglas gray on october 06, 2014 one of the fun facts about wooden german nutcrackers is that it has its origins in the erzgebirge region of germany, known as the ore mountains just like the german pyramid does. German nutcrackers authentic nutcrackers from germany. New with original tags straco baker chef handcrafted nutcracker excellent new condition about 15 tall lots of detail with basket full of goodies and large wooden spatula tag reads straco erzgebirgische holzkunst handcrafted and hand painted in germany e c h t erzgebirge mit herz bottom is stamped stracoland colmnitz gmbh and co, also with the erzgebirgische seal. Besides the popular nutcrackers, the steinbach company also produces incense smokers, music boxes and an array or ornaments.
A study of nutcrackers is a study of history itself as they reflect the cultural values and innovations of the place and time of origin. To own a nutcracker is to own a piece of history and tradition that dates back for centuries. Christian ulbricht nutcrackers the christmas sleigh german. It tells the story of a little girl who goes to the land of sweets on christmas eve.
Decorative nutcrackers in the form of wooden carvings of a soldier, knight, king, or other profession have existed since at least the 15th century. Steinbach means highest level of quality and brilliancy in design. Steinbach nutcrackers christmas nutcracker german nutcrackers. In 1872, wilhelm fuchtner made the first commercial production of the wooden nutcrackers. Many limited edition nutcrackers are available please see the product description for details. Steinbach handmade german bird hunter nutcracker with box. Santa was transformed into a funloving character that enjoyed hobbies such. Long before the first christian ulbricht nutcrackers were designed.
These nutcrackers portray a person with a large mouth which the. By noreen malone for most people, christmas nutcrackers the kind that look like little men call to mind sugarplum fairies and first trips to the ballet. Over 100,000 german translations of english words and phrases. The beautiful nutcrackers that are so highly popular are displayed in many homes throughout the world. Long before the first christian ulbricht nutcrackers were designed the ulbricht family lived in the german erzgebirge until the end of world war ii. Christmas nutcrackers made in germany wooden nutcracker. Kg we are one of the biggest manufacturer of original erzgebirge folk art. Germany is a leading manufacturer of traditional nutcrackers. To be able to use steinbach german nutrackers official in full range, we recommend activating javascript in your browser.
Get the best deal for german nutcracker from the largest online selection at. A brief history of the nutcracker doll all media content dw 12. The design of hinged levers as nutcrackers may date as far back as ancient greece. The nutcracker ballet is a holiday tradition, but how did it begin. Fabriche santas, nutcrackers and other collectibles were ushered in during the 1980s and 1990s. Family members worked as judges, merchants and architects. The soldier nutcrackers that still appear during christmas time were created in the sonneberg and erzgebirge regions of germany in the early 1800s. Nutcracker history dates back much further than the ballet.
Steinbach was a famous architect and built the muenster dome in strasbourg france during the th century. Christian ulbricht nutcrackers the christmas sleigh. Often the nutcracker is the image of authorities from the past. Enter the nutcracker museum and you are amazed at the vast amount of nutcrackers being shown. Nutcrackers the quintessential icon of christmas, the nutcracker dates back to the early 18th century. The history of nutcrackers extends as far back as when humans were cracking and eating nuts, and will continue on into the future for as long as people continue to enjoy natures shelled protein and healthy fat source. The most famous nutcracker carvings come from sonneberg in thuringia also a center of dollmaking and from the ore mountains. A wellknown type portrays a person whose mouth forms the jaws of the nutcracker, though many of these are meant for decoration. Interesting facts since the wagners opened the leavenworth nutcracker museum in 1995, it has been visited by 74 foreign countries.
Shop our best selection of christmas nutcrackers to reflect your style and inspire your home this time of year. Functional nut crackers russian nutcrackers kwo smokers steinbach smokers other german smokers incense cones. The german erzgebirge ore mountains is a mountain range in eastern germany. A hammer was the original way to open nuts, but as people got fancy, so did our tools. Even nowadays a nutcracker figure is not simply a tool. German nutcrackers, however, were symbols of the peoples dissatisfaction with the ruling class and became popular collectibles as a result. According to german folklore, steinbach nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. Christmas nutcrackers are a common holiday decorative piece, but did not get popular in the united states until the 1950s. What would erzgebirge folkart be without its nutcrackers. The frame workshop displays one of the largest selections of authentic german nutcrackers in wisconsin. So now that youre in the know of nutcracker collecting. In the great russian nutcracker, she is affectionately called masha. Buy beautiful and authentic german christmas nutcrackers the exclusive online shop for premium handcrafts made in germany. For most people, christmas nutcrackersthe kind that look like little mencall to mind sugarplum fairies and first trips to the ballet.
The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. The greek aristotle is most probably the inventor of the nutcracker, a pincerlike tool with two levers. History and tales of nutcrackers from old germany, your collectors items. Apr 16, 2020 traditional handmade german nutcrackers, many stayles and sizes to choose from, make a great christmas present or secret santa gift. The steinbach nutcrackers are undoubtedly the most famous ones in the world. These nutcrackers portray a person with a large mouth which the operator opens by lifting a lever in the back of the figurine. Made in seiffen in the erzegebrige region of germany, the christian ulbricht family has been in existence since 1928 and their incredibly detailed nutcracker snd smokers are among the. Hoffmanns 1816 fairy tale the nutcracker and the mouse king. In hoffmanns tale, the girls name is marie or maria, while clara or klarchen is the name of one of her dolls. Please consider that steinbach products are very popular. German nutcrackers from the erzgebirge region of germany are sought by collectors all over the world.
Read on to learn more about the history of the nutcracker and how they evolved into todays form. Carrying on the tradition of their german predecessors with their holzknackl nutcrackers, kathe wohlfahrt artists painstakingly create stunning pieces by hand, creating christmas heirlooms for your home. Buy direct and safe steinbach nutcrackers from the original manufacturer in germany. There are many designs, including levers, screws, and ratchets. The erzgebirge mountain region is famous for producing quality german nutcrackers, smokers, pyramids, ornaments, figurines, and cuckoo clocks. Nutcrackers carry with them a sense of tradition as well as an abundance of stories and legends of the past. The plot revolves around a german girl named clara stahlbaum and her comingofage one christmas holiday. The history of nutcrackers extends as far back as when humans were cracking and eating nuts, and will continue on into the future for as long as people continue to. Figurative nutcrackers are a good luck symbol in germany, and a folktale recounts that a puppetmaker won a nutcracking challenge by creating a doll with a mouth for a lever to crack the nuts. Our steinbach and christian ulbricht nutcrackers are timeless treasures perfect for a gift or to add to your home or collection. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. However, nutcrackers also possess a rich history that goes back about 300 years. The carving of german nutcrackers as well as of religious figures and of cribs developed as a cottage industry in forested rural areas of germany.
The german decorative nutcracker has become an iconic staple for the holiday season as well as the german culture. During that time, people were captivated by the realistic look of the german black forest christmas trees accompanied by the novelty of beautiful angel tree toppers. The development of the wooden nutcrackers was a form of creating revenue for the miners in this area of the country. Today, the decorative christmas figures are collected by people all over the world. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Family members worked as judges, merchants, and architects. This is in the south eastern portion of the country near what is now the country of the czech republic. Once a thriving community that mined silver and tin for several.
A nutcracker is a tool designed to open nuts by cracking their shells. In november, 1997 i travelled to seiffen, germany which is home to the centuries old, worldrenowned, artisan christmas wood working industry. One of the fun facts about wooden german nutcrackers is that it has its origins in the erzgebirge region of germany, known as the ore mountains just like the german pyramid does. Seiffen, germany home of the nutcracker 1997 youtube. Explore our diversity and enjoy our products, because. The nutcracker was first developed around 1870 and is nowadays one of the most famous representatives of the erzgebirge. Fun facts about wooden german nutcrackers christkindlmarkt. The ulbricht family lived in the german erzgebirge until the end of world war ii. The nutcracker features a brown buckle hat with a feather, rabbit fur hair and beard, a gold chain, a bird motif shield and a cross bow. The german erzgebirge nutcracker nutcrackers at the erzgebirgepalace since the ancient times there have been devices to open all kind of nuts. German translation of nutcracker the official collins englishgerman dictionary online. How nutcrackers came to america nutcrackers have always been enjoyed for their whimsical expressions. See more ideas about german nutcrackers, great christmas presents and secret santa gifts. Steinbach nutcrackers the steinbach family, the german erzgebirge and the steinbach nutcrackers the steinbach family.
Handcrafted imported german pyramids, nutcrackers and smokers for. Especially kings, soldiers and gendarmes are often used as a model. That said, it is not as obvious how the tradition of christmas nutcrackers evolved. A unique history of nutcrackers featuring the in a nutshell infographic. Vintage matthes german wooden nutcracker bar stool 31. The ulbricht family roots can be traced back to the 17 th century. Since the 15th century, these wooden figurines have been part of holiday celebrations. Oktoberfesthaus previously published an interesting article covering the history of nutcrackers and their 2,000year journey evolving into todays soldier form. First the wood is cut into specific sizes and shapes suitable for creating that special nutcracker. History of german nutcrackers get a nutcracker for your home. In german tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck, frightening away malevolent spirits. The wood is put on a high speed milling cutter where the shaped parts are produced and carpenters then glue the pieces together. However, nutcracking devices have had a longstemming evolution for a few thousand years.
Note the beautiful detail and the expert hand work of these gorgeous nutcrackers. Santa claus thrived thereafter in american culture, both christian and secular. Their beautiful nutcrackers today are among the most popular german treasures. While nearly all nutcrackers from before the first half of the 20th century are functional, a significant. Nutcracker dolls, also known as christmas nutcrackers, are decorative nutcracker figurines. Originally one could insert a nut in the bigtoothed mouth, press down and crack the nut. Much like the lever nutcrackers, they operated by a handle in its back. The history of german nutcrackers starts with a fairy tale. Nutcracker dolls, also known as christmas nutcrackers, are decorative nutcracker figurines most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier. Nutcrackers in the form of wood carvings of a soldier, knight, king, or other profession have existed since at least the 15th century.
Nicholas with german folk traditions of elves to draw his first santa in 1862. Nm the leavenworth nutcracker museum antique nutcrackers. History and tales of nutcrackers from old germany, your collectors items christian steinbach on. One origin story attributes the creation of the first nutcracker doll to a craftsman from seiffen. The steinbach family has endured persecution, relocation and a world of other trials in their nearly 200 years of production.
It has been established that aristoteles possessed a nutcracker with a leverage around 330 b. Ivan vsevolozhsky and marius petipa adapted hoffmanns story for the ballet. The production of true, authentic german nutcrackers is a rather long one, but the result is well worth the time. Christmas nutcrackers have become an integral part of the christmas season. But also decorative nutcrackers had already been crafted during ancient times. Watch through this 10 minute video and you will see. Dec 10, 2009 the nutcracker ballet is a holiday tradition, but how did it begin. The most popular origin story of nutcrackers in germany is that a wealthy farmer wanted to improve his productivity and was frustrated by the. Dance channel tv provides a colorful, detailed history of the origins of the nutcracker as we know it today.
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