A Journey into German Tradition And Craftsmanship | Seiffener Volkskunst eG and Richard Glässer GmbH

Traditional German Christmas crafts originated in the Ore Mountains, otherwise known as the Erzgebirge in Germany, more than 200 years ago. The picturesque town of Seiffen is world famous for its wooden toy making, and is commonly referred to as ‘Christmas ornament town’. It was in this region that Erzgebirge mountain folk art originated in the 1700s, with designs including Christmas pyramids (weihnachtspyramide), nutcrackers (Nussknacker), wooden smoking men (räuchermann), wooden figurines and candle arches (schwibbogen), all of which are well loved European Christmas decorations today. The Erzgebirge region is so devoted to Christmas decorations that it is also known worldwide as the ‘Home of Christmas’ or ‘Toy Village’.  By purchasing an item that has been crafted in the Erzgebirge, you are supporting a region that honours its heritage and values. At the heart of this tradition are two iconic names: Seiffener Volkskunst eG and Richard Glässer GmbH. Let’s dive into the rich history and artistry of these brands, which have become synonymous with high-quality German handicrafts.
 

Seiffen Folk Art

Seiffen Folk Art (Volkskunst), is a broad term that encompasses the handcrafted wooden products that Seiffen is famous for. The town has a deep history rooted in mining, but when the mines began to close in the 17th century, locals turned to woodworking as a new way to earn a living. With its lush forests, the Erzgebirge region provided plenty of raw materials, and soon enough, Seiffen became a hub for handcrafted wooden toys, figurines, and decorations. Read more about this in our detailed blog The German Toy Makers Of The Erzgebirge.
 

The most iconic creations that come out of Seiffen include nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, German incense smokers, and candle arches (Schwibbogen). These items are deeply tied to the German Christmas traditions, and many families in Germany and beyond use these decorations to bring warmth and festivity to their homes. 

 

The Magic of Seiffener Volkskunst eG

The brand Seiffener Volkskunst eG, founded in Seiffen in 1958, strives to combine the childlike form, language and lively colours of the spirit of Christmas into traditional Erzgebirge wooden decorations. Their collection comprises a multitude of products including traditional nutcrackers, incense cones, incense smokers and candle arches, all made with love and character. 

What’s particularly special about Seiffener Volkskunst eG is that each piece is handcrafted, often using the same methods that have been passed down through the generations since the mining origins of the Erzgebirge. This ensures that every figurine or ornament has a unique and artisanal touch. Crafted wooden toys have been a staple of the Erzgebirge toy makers since the mountains were mined for silver hundreds of years ago.

Each product is produced by the craftsmen carefully linking traditional handicraft techniques with new design elements, and a focus towards high attention to quality, detail and dedication. Seiffener Volkskunst eG takes pride in being an open workshop and happily shows visiting guests and customers through their workshop, and their display of traditional handmade Erzgebirge wooden decorations. 

Earlier in 2024, Clock Shop’s Daniel and Phil Hoffman visited the Seiffener Volkskunst eG factory in Germany, and got to witness firsthand the entire process of creating traditional wooden German Christmas decorations from start to finish.
 

 

Clock Shop stocks a number of Seiffener Volkskunst eG products all year round, including incense, smoking men, nutcrackers, and Christmas pyramids all available in a unique and fun array of patterns and designs for you to choose from. Shop the entire range here.

 

Richard Glässer GmbH: A Legacy of Artistry

No discussion about Seiffen folk art is complete without mentioning Richard Glässer GmbH, one of the most famous manufacturers in the region. Founded in 1932, the Richard Glässer GmbH company quickly became a household name due to its beautiful and intricate Christmas decorations. Known especially for their finely crafted Christmas pyramids and smoker figurines (Räuchermännchen), Richard Glässer GmbH products are treasured for their attention to detail and quality.

The Christmas pyramids, which are wooden structures that spin when the heat from candles rises, are a favorite among collectors. The figures on the pyramid often depict nativity scenes, forest animals, or miners, all meticulously painted and carved. These pieces are not only charming but also functional, adding a mesmerising, rotating element to Christmas decor.
 

These beautiful hand-turned wooden creations have made Richard Glässer GmbH world famous. Today the company employs approximately 85 employees in three production buildings who are involved in the manufacture of nearly 1000 crafted items. You will find a wide variety of products available from Richard Glässer GmbH. Continuing traditional techniques and protecting existing designs, coupled with passion and creativity, allow Richard Glässer GmbH to share their unique products and long standing Erzgebirge customs with customers near and far.

The Räuchermännchen are equally beloved. These incense-smoking figurines are often shaped like miners, foresters, or Santa Claus, and add a whimsical touch to any home. When you light an incense cone inside the figurine, smoke gently wafts out of its mouth, giving it a lifelike appearance as though it’s puffing on a pipe. The Räuchermännchen form a staple in many German households during the holiday season, and have also been growing in popularity worldwide for their unique design.

Earlier in 2024, Clock Shop owner Daniel Hoffman and his father (and previous owner) Phil Hoffman visited the Richard Glässer GmbH workshop in Seiffen, and toured the factory, witnessing the process of their beautiful wooden creations being produced from start to finish by hand.
 

 

Fun Facts About Seiffen

• A Miner's Legacy: Seiffen's transformation from a mining town to a woodworking haven was influenced largely by its geography. The rich forests provided the perfect material for turning the town into a wooden crafting hub.
• Christmas Year-Round: Although Seiffen is particularly famous for its Christmas decorations, the workshops operate year-round, creating everything from Easter figures, to Christmas decorations, as well as everyday decorative items.
• World Record Pyramid: The largest Christmas pyramid in the world stands in Dresden, Germany, not too far from Seiffen. It reaches nearly 14 metres high and weighs over 3000 kilograms. 

 

The Enduring Appeal

Today, Seiffener Volkskunst eG and Richard Glässer GmbH creations are highly sought after across the globe. Their products have become collectables, and enthusiasts look forward to new designs each year. Whether it’s a delicately carved Christmas pyramid or a whimsical incense smoker, these handcrafted pieces bring a touch of German tradition to homes everywhere.

If you're ever lucky enough to visit the Erzgebirge region, a stop in Seiffen is a must. The town's shops are filled with beautifully crafted decorations, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland of light, warmth, and tradition.

For those looking to add a bit of authentic European charm to their holiday season, investing in Seiffener Volkskunst eG or Richard Glässer GmbH handcrafted authentic German decorations is a great way to bring craftsmanship and history into your home. The intricate designs and deep connections to old traditions ensure that these items will be produced and cherished for many generations to come.