This Dentist Smoker is another simple yet impressive smoker figure from Gunter Krauß, based in beautiful Kühnheide. The Krauß company consciously crafts traditional products to convey a sense of down-to-earthness and Erzgebirge traditions to its customers. Crafted with traditional and meticulous craftsmanship, it is decorated with lovingly crafted small accessories and details.
The “Dentist” Smoker impresses with its natural wood look and a beautiful grain, giving it a particularly elegant appearance. Its body is made of light wood, which highlights the structure and characteristic annual rings of the material.
Its friendly face with large, expressive eyes, a red nose, and pink cheeks gives it a warm appearance. The distinctive mustache and gold-rimmed glasses enhance its charming, traditional look. A stripe of soft, white synthetic hair around its head completes the image of an experienced and trustworthy dentist.
In his right hand, he holds a meticulously crafted dentist’s drill, while in his left hand, he presents a pair of pliers with a freshly extracted tooth. In the small breast pocket of his long, natural-colored coat is another instrument that complements his professional equipment.
In front of him on the base plate is a small trash can with an extracted molar in it – a humorous detail that underlines the character of this smoker. The craftsmanship and fine details make him a real eye-catcher and a wonderful collector’s item for lovers of traditional Erzgebirge smokers.
- Width 8.5cm
- Depth 8.5cm
- Height 20cm
- nature
- for standard incense cones
You can find more beautiful smoke figures from Gunter Krauss as well as from other manufacturers in the Ore Mountains here.
Note:
Wood is a natural product and no two pieces are alike. Therefore, the grain of the smoker may vary from item to item; this does not constitute grounds for complaint.
You can find more beautiful smoker figures from Gunter Krauss, as well as from other manufacturers in the Ore Mountains, here.
The Tradition of Smokers
Smokers are a traditional folk art from the Ore Mountains and an integral part of Christmas decorations in many German households. They originated in the 19th century, when Ore Mountain toymakers began to craft carved wooden figures that were not only decorative but also served a practical purpose—burning incense cones.
At a time when the Ore Mountains were heavily influenced by mining, people sought alternative sources of income. Many artisans began to produce ornate wooden figures, including the first smokers. These figures traditionally represent various professions or characters from everyday life, such as miners, foresters, craftsmen, or even fairy tale characters.
The function of a smoker is incredibly simple: Its hollow body serves as a smoking chamber, into which a small incense cone (usually made of fragrant herbs or incense) is placed. Once lit, the smoke rises through the figure’s mouth, making it appear as if the smoker is leisurely puffing on his pipe.
Especially during Advent and Christmas, smokers create a contemplative atmosphere with their aromatic scents. However, there are now many year-round figures that can be displayed regardless of the Christmas season. Handcrafted from high-quality wood and often featuring fine details, they are not only decorative objects but also popular collector’s items.
Today, smokers are manufactured in many workshops in the Ore Mountains according to old traditions and with great attention to detail. They stand for craftsmanship, local roots and the preservation of centuries-old traditions that have survived generations.
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