Ball Smoker Star Seller, Sitting

Lovingly and elaborately designed ball smoker star seller, sitting, from Richard Glässer, made in traditional and detailed handcraft.

The ball smoker star seller, sitting, is a lovingly designed figure that stands out with its bright colors and playful details. He sits on a small, natural-colored pedestal while his black feet dangle freely in the air. His red-stained top is complemented by two black buttons and a striking yellow collar, which make his appearance lively and cheerful.

In his right hand he holds a long, curved pipe, which gives him a cozy and traditional look. In his left hand he carries a yellow star, which matches his collar perfectly in color and emphasizes his role as a star seller.

His friendly face is characterized by large, round eyes and a small, round nose. The rosy cheeks and gray moustache give him a cheerful and warm-hearted expression. His head is adorned with a natural-colored hat, which is decorated with a blue ribbon and a small, yellow flower on the side, which adds a playful touch to the overall picture. Gray, soft artificial hair peeks out from under his hat.

On his lap lies a small, natural-colored board on which various colorful stars are arranged. These stars are in yellow, green, red and natural, some stand upright while others lie flat on the board. The lovingly designed stars reflect the Christmas symbolism and make the smoker a charming figure that fits perfectly into any festive decoration.

The colored stain of the wood underlines the natural beauty of the material and blends harmoniously into the overall picture of this Christmas smoker figure.

• Height approx. 15cm
• commercially available incense cones
• coloured

You can find more beautiful incense figures from Richard Glässer as well as other manufacturers from the Erzgebirge here.

The tradition of incense figures:
Incense figures are a traditional craft from the Ore Mountains in Germany that originated in the 19th century. These small, often humorously designed figures are used to burn incense candles. The tradition developed in the harsh winter months, when incense played an important role in cleaning the house of evil spirits and spreading pleasant smells. The smoke also symbolized the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.

The incense figures often represent typical figures from everyday life, such as craftsmen, foresters, miners or even Santa Claus. Humorous depictions of dwarves, hunters or villagers are also popular. This variety of motifs makes the figures collector’s items. They are made of wood, often hand-painted, and are characterized by their detailed, sometimes quirky design.

The mechanism of the incense figure is simple: Inside there is a chamber in which a small incense candle is placed. The smoke rises through the figure’s open mouth and gives the impression that the figure is “smoking”. The incense candles, usually made from various resins and scents, then spread their typical Christmassy smell, which is often reminiscent of cinnamon, frankincense or fir.

Especially at Christmas time, incense figures are an integral part of traditional Erzgebirge customs. This art is still practiced today at Christmas markets and in craft businesses. It stands for coziness, craftsmanship and the conscious cultivation of traditions.