This is one of a little series of vintage German handmade novelty wooden Incense Burners or Smokers. 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.
One here has an old Frank Beyer Label, another has on old GDR label - and one has a missing label.
This is a very attractive set - and it look great on display in a little cafe or coffee / cake shop.
The largest figure (7 1/4 inches) represents a cook. The has a little wooden polka dot scarf around her head - and carries a pot and a ladle. I think that it is a little roasting chicken that is the pot held out in front of her. I love the addition of the little fabric apron. It is made of blue and white checked cotton. This one has the Frank Beyer label on the base. Again, in two sections - and the smoke from the incense cone would come out behind the pot - so it looks like the food is piping hot.
The next figure (just under 7 inches). is another cook. This one carried a pie. Again, in two sections with a little metal disk inside for you to place your incense cone on - the smoke would come out of the pie and the back of the figure.
The last item in the little group is a little pot-bellied stove. It is a free-standing stove - and is mounted on a square wooden plinth. There are a pair of little orange slippers getting warm next to it. Again, in two sections with a metal disk to place your incense cone on. Smoke will come out of the holes in the little pot sitting on the top.
All items are complete with no damages. I have taken lots of images for your inspection. These ones are very hard to source and this is reflected in my asking price. Please see my other ones that I have listed.
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.