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Authentic German Glass
Steinbach nutcrackers are delightful wooden decorations hand crafted in Germany. They portray everything from kings, Santa, religious figures and famous generals, to fairy tale and movie characters. Each year, new nutcracker models are released by Steinbach. Collectors are always anxious to see what the new designs will look like. They may find just what they need to add to their collection.
The Steinbach family has been producing nutcrackers for nearly two centuries. 5th-generation Herr Christian Steinbach held the reigns of the company for decades. His efforts brought the company to new heights and made Steinbach nutcrackers world famous. Much to the dismay of nutcracker enthusiasts, Herr Christian Steinbach passed away in February of 2007, at the venerable age of 85. Christian had trained his daughter, Frau Karla Steinbach, to take control the family legacy and it is now in her capable hands. Karla is now in charge of both German nutcracker factories. Karla’s daughter, Karolin, is also involved with the family owned business. The 6th and 7th Steinbach generations continue to produce German nutcrackers in the time honored traditions laid forth by Christian Steinbach.
The Steinbach company uses all German wood and materials to craft their nutcrackers. There are over 100 steps involved in crafting a single finished piece. It takes an artisan who has a true love of woodworking to complete such a detailed nutcracker. It normally takes about 6 weeks to finish a nutcracker, once the actual turning of the wood on a lathe begins. Beginning with the drying and curing of the wood, the entire process can take more than 3 years.
According to German folklore, nutcrackers were first created to ward off evil and protect a home. That’s why they all have such stern looks on their faces and are baring their teeth. This is to scare away evil spirits and bad luck, and also to promote good health.
The beginning of nutcracker carving dates back to the 18th century. Miners, in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) area of Germany, took up wood carving to supplement their income when the mines began to play out. Generations later, many nutcrackers and hand crafted items are still being produced in the Erzgebirge region.
For more information, click on Steinbach nutcrackers.
Written by K. Hupp. You can see current Steinbach Nutcracker models at A German Collectibles Haus
German Christmas Markets
