The Nativity figures *Shepherd Standing with Sheep* by Emil A. Schalling are a true masterpiece of Erzgebirge woodcarving. Originating from the traditional town of Seiffen, they combine craftsmanship with contemporary design.
The four-piece group consists of an upright shepherd with a staff and three reclining sheep. Together, they tell the biblical story of the shepherds who watched over their flocks on Christmas Eve and set out for the manger. The scene is deliberately simple, translating the narrative into a modern, minimalist form. This makes the figures more than mere decoration – they radiate tranquility, mindfulness, and a quiet, profound elegance.
The figures are approximately twelve centimeters tall and are meticulously handcrafted from select wood. The natural finish emphasizes the grain and warm character of the material, allowing the wood to speak for itself. Elaborate painting is omitted; instead, the gentle curves, clean lines, and understated details take center stage. This gives the shepherd and sheep a timeless appeal that complements both modern and classic nativity scenes.
The shepherd wears a stylized robe and holds his staff close to his body – a symbol of care and protection. The three sheep lie peacefully at his feet, underscoring the scene’s tranquil atmosphere. Despite the understated design, the figures’ inner state is evident: the group appears composed, attentive, and secure. The minimalist aesthetic leaves room for personal interpretation and makes the set a striking centerpiece in any Christmas decoration.
Simple yet highly effective: this shepherd group looks stunning both in a traditional nativity scene and when displayed individually, for example, in a simple candle arch or on a sideboard.
- Made of maple wood
- Approx. 12 cm
- Turned figures
You can find more beautiful figures by Emil Schalling and other manufacturers from the Erzgebirge 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!
