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.
This one has an original GDR Erzgebirge Volkskunst Expartic label on the base, as photographed.
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 chimney sweep. It is so beautifully made. He comes in two pieces. The bottom section has his little legs and onto of these is a little metal dish where you would place a small incense cone. The top section sits on the base. The sweep is wearing a little top hat. He has really hair and moustache. He carries a little pipe, and over his arms is slung a brush to sweep the chimneys. There is also a little ladder - which would be slung over this shoulder.
The smoke from the cone would come out of his mouth and from his back.
This one has his original vintage label and comes with his original box.
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 Sweep stands at 8 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.