This is one of a little series of vintage German handmade novelty wooden Incense Burners or Smokers. They were all made at Erzgebirge. These small novelty wooden figures have been made in this area of German for many years - and the tradition continues to this day. The figurines are known worldwide for their finely crafted details and high quality.
These ones that I am listing all serve as incense burners and are vintage issues. I think that they probably date to the 1970s. They still make some of these models today - but the quality and details of making are not quite as good as these earlier pieces.
This one depicts a little cobbler. He is made in two sections. The bottom section has his feet - with a little metal tray inside. You place a little lit incense cone on the plate and carefully pop the top half of his body on top. The top section is hollow in form and the smoke from the incense cone would rise and come out of the little hope representing the figures mouth. He holds a wee pipe in his hand - and when the smoke comes out, it will look like he is actually smoking the pipe.
This little cobbler is just so well-made. He wears a little brown leather work apron, and red and white checked neckerchief. He has a little brown wooden cap, his pipe, a pair of black wooden boots hung over his shoulder and two little orange plaid slippers on the other side. He carries a little wooden trug or basket. How cute! in the basket is a small piece of leather to make shoes from, a wee hammer and the tiniest of nails.
He would have originally had an Erzgebirge label on the base - but this has gone missing over time.
He is complete with no damages. I have taken lots of images for your inspection. He is now a harder model to find - and this is reflected in my asking price. Please see my other ones that I have listed.
Dimensions: Mr Cobbler stands at 6 3/4 inches in height.
UK Postage will be with Royal Mail Recorded Post. This will be just over £5 and applied to your order at the checkout.
HISTORY: A popular European custom at Advent and Christmas time is burning incense in German smokers, known as Räuchermännchen or Räuchermen. These incense smokers are made of wood and typically have two parts: A flat base where the incense cone is placed; and a second, hollow piece that that acts as a lid. Whether it’s a human figure, an animal, or a small building, all of the incense smokers have a small hole in the lid that lets the smoke from the incense escape. Räuchermen often depict people engaged in different occupations—popular figures include bakers, woodsmen, shepherds, and miners.
Räuchermen, in their present form, have been made in the Erzgebirge (“Ore Mountain”) region of Germany since about 1830. The Erzgebirge region was once rich in tin and silver, but after the ore was depleted, miners turned to woodcarving and toy-making.
Räuchermen are a common part of the Christmas tradition in the Ore Mountains. They are often displayed with other Christmas decorations, such as candle arches, angels, and Christmas pyramids.