This charming “Toy-Maker Gnome” incense smoker is a playful and nostalgic addition to any Christmas or year-round décor. It is crafted with loving care and meticulous attention to detail in the demonstration workshop of Seiffener Volkskunst eG. This piece stands as a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and extraordinary skill of the artisans of the Erzgebirge region. Each individual piece serves as a true showcase of precise, handcrafted workmanship.
The Toy-Maker Gnome presents himself in warm brown attire, topped with a natural-finish, golden-yellow pointed cap that lends his appearance a cozy and distinctive character. His friendly face is adorned with an orange button nose and a full white beard, giving him a warm-hearted and wise aura. In his right hand, he holds a small wooden horse—a classic symbol of the Erzgebirge toy-making tradition. In his left hand, he holds a marionette—a brightly painted little wooden figure in red and yellow—dangling from a fine thread, serving as a reminder of the grand heritage of toy craftsmanship in the Erzgebirge. The characteristic scent of an incense cone wafts gently from his open mouth. His natural-finish wooden hands and the meticulous surface treatment underscore the high quality of his craftsmanship and the love of detail poured into every single piece.
This Toy-Maker Gnome is more than just a decorative element; he is a loving tribute to the rich toy-making tradition of the Erzgebirge—a tradition that has delighted generations of children and adults alike. His timeless charm and meticulous workmanship make him a true eye-catcher and a truly special gift for anyone who appreciates both nostalgia and fine craftsmanship. As the fragrant smoke from the incense cone rises through his pipe, he fills the room with an incomparable atmosphere of warmth and cozy comfort. It brings an authentic touch of Erzgebirge tradition into every home. It is a timeless piece that brings joy to generations and can become a cherished family heirloom. Its appearance—at once playful and nostalgic—evokes childhood memories and invites moments of quiet reflection.
You can find other items from Seiffener Volkskunst here.
Safety instructions for Erzgebirge folk art pyramids.
• The pyramids are powered by burning candles! Therefore, make sure to keep a safe distance from curtains, furniture, upholstery and other flammable objects.
• Also remember that the pyramid is not a toy for children. Operation with an open flame may only take place under the constant supervision of adults.
• We accept no liability for damage caused by improper use or failure to observe these instructions.
Instructions for operation:
• Please only use high-quality candles that guarantee even burning. (Candles)
• Drafts can significantly affect the pyramid’s operation and should therefore be avoided at all costs.
Instructions for location:
• A solid and, above all, horizontal location (floor, table, etc.) is a prerequisite for a pyramid to run smoothly.
• When setting up the pyramid, make sure that the axis of the pyramid is in a vertical position. It must also be correctly positioned in the bearing.
• The middle part of the pyramid must be able to move freely.
Storage instructions:
• To ensure that the pyramid remains functional for many years, we recommend that you store it in a dry place.
• In addition, the pyramid should not be exposed to any major temperature fluctuations during storage.
Environmental damage caused by incorrect disposal of batteries
Batteries must not be disposed of in household waste. You are legally obliged to return old batteries so that proper disposal can be ensured. You can hand in old batteries at a municipal collection point or at a local retailer. As a distributor of batteries, we are also obliged to take back old batteries, although our obligation to take back is limited to old batteries of the type that we have or have had in our range as new batteries. You can therefore either send old batteries of the aforementioned type back to us with sufficient postage or hand them in free of charge directly in our store at the address given in the imprint.
Batteries are marked with the symbol of a crossed-out garbage can. This symbol indicates that batteries must not be thrown in household waste. For batteries that contain more than 0.0005 percent mercury (HG) by weight, more than 0.002 percent cadmium (Cd) by weight or more than 0.004 percent lead (Pb) by weight, the chemical name of the pollutant used is located under the garbage can symbol.
Dispose of electrical devices in an environmentally friendly manner
Electrical devices must not be disposed of with household waste. According to the European directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, used electrical devices must be collected separately and sent to special collection and return systems. Owners of old devices from private households can hand them in at the collection points of the public waste disposal authorities or at the return points set up by manufacturers or distributors in accordance with the ElektroG.
Make sure that no beard hairs protrude in front of or into the mouth hole, otherwise no suction can be created and the cone can suffocate.
- Remove the upper body
- Light the incense cone (15 mm) at the tip and place it on a metal plate
- Put the upper body back on and enjoy the scent
- Then empty the ash into a non-flammable container.
- Not a toy for children!
- Please only use under adult supervision!
- Caution, smoldering incense cones and metal plates are very hot!