The Picus Night Watchman is an artfully crafted wooden figure in traditional Erzgebirge craftsmanship, particularly popular during Advent. The figure depicts a night watchman and is lovingly crafted from multicolored wood, some natural, some painted.
The Picus Night Watchman is painted in a rich, glossy green that completely covers the figure’s body – presumably symbolizing a warm coat. The shape is bulbous and rounded, giving the figure a charmingly compact silhouette. The high-quality wood grain is striking, shining through the green varnish and emphasizing the material’s natural structure.
The head is simple, round, and features a white-painted beard. The nose is bright red, spherical, and distinctive, typical of many traditional smokers. The cheeks are rosy, indicated by two small red circles, giving the face a friendly expression. The mouth is depicted open – a typical feature of incense men, as this is where the smoke later emerges when incense cones are burned.
On his head, the man wears a green pointed cap with a golden ball at the top. This gives him an almost fairytale appearance and blends harmoniously into the overall picture.
In his right hand, the figure holds a halberd with a silver-colored axe blade and a black staff—a typical attribute of a night watchman. His left hand carries a small lantern. This lantern is painted in vibrant orange and black, with a painted candle motif in the center, represented by a stylized flame in red and yellow. The lantern is held by a small wooden ball, symbolizing the hand.
The feet are black and protrude from under the green coat. They give the smoker a stable footing. Overall, the figure appears lovingly crafted, rich in detail, yet not overly elaborate. The combination of simple form and bold colors makes the smoker a classic, timeless decorative object that creates atmosphere, especially during the Christmas season.
This figure is not only a beautiful collector’s item, but also fulfills a function: An incense cone can be placed inside, the smoke from which later rises from the open mouth—an atmospheric sight in a wintry setting.
Height approx. 18 cm
Suitable for standard incense cones
Colored
Stained
You can find more beautiful incense figures from the Ore Mountains here.
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