Further Media
Sebastian Köpcke (*1967), Volker Weinhold (*1962) | Photographers
This figurative helper of wood was once invented in Thuringia, but also in Saxony and, possibly in the Erzgebirge even more so than in its region of origin, became a prominent member in the ranks of Christmas figures. In the case of the nutcracker, its practical utility and the figurative design enter into an appealing relationship.
These three small specimens likely couldn’t even crack sunflower seeds, although the figures, like their big brothers, have a moveable lever. They may be recognisable as nutcrackers at first glance but have lost their original use; it is also no longer necessary.
Minimising the size and making the decoration of the living environment for Christmas more manageable is surely a clever idea given the dimensions of conventional hanging lamps, pyramids and nutcrackers. Together with the shrinking dimensions, however, the actual, practical utility of such figures is also transformed into a perfectly decorative character.
Walter Werner | producer
MATERIAL & TECHNIQUE
wood, turned, carved, painted, synthetic fibre, glued
DIMENSIONS
H 8.4 / 8.5 cm
MUSEUM
Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst
PLACE, DATING
Seiffen, around 1985
INVENTORY NUMBER
G 7010