What would Erzgebirge folkart be without its Nutcrackers? These two wooden soldier nutcrackers were made in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) area of Germany in the 1970s. The first of their kind were developed around 1870, and since then they’ve become one of the most famous representatives of the region. They were often given as gifts, and at some point became associated with Christmas, as well as inspiring Tchaikovsky‘s 1892 ballet.
Thought of as protector’s of the house, these nutcrackers are a poignant part of German folklore and an enduring symbol of childhood dreams and imagination.
These two vintage fellas are handmade from wood, hand painted and trimmed with fur. Both in very good condition, except one is missing his black shoe, as shown in full-length photo.