The toy maker Günther, based in the beautiful spa town of Seiffen, lovingly and traditionally handcrafts this St. Peter’s incense smoker.
This year-round incense figure of St. Peter is presented in a sky-blue robe, elegantly accentuated with golden decorations. This heavenly blue harmonizes perfectly with his white shirt, which is enhanced by glittering golden hearts. These fine details give the figure a sacred yet inviting aura.
In his right hand, St. Peter holds a large golden key, symbolic of his role as guardian of the gates of heaven. In his other hand, he holds a long pipe, lending his appearance an air of peace and serenity. A golden halo enthrones his head, underscoring his sacred authority. A special feature of the figure makes this halo even more extraordinary: smoke can escape from a small opening between the halo on his head, integrating the incense function into the design in an original way.
His soft brown hair blends seamlessly into a full beard, giving him a warm and wise appearance. Peter’s face radiates kindness, with his peaceful eyes, rosy cheeks, and a large, round pink nose. These features convey calm and trust.
The pockets of his robe contain symbolic objects such as a letter and a yellow star, adding additional detail and meaning. Golden stars lie at his feet, reinforcing the impression that he comes from a heavenly realm.
The figure combines masterful craftsmanship with thoughtful functions. In addition to the classic opening in the mouth for the smoke, the additional exit opening on the head creates an impressive visual experience. This creative combination of design and function makes this incense figure a unique work of art that inspires not only symbolically but also practically.
- Height: 28.5 cm
- Colored
- for standard incense candles
You can find more beautiful smokers from the house of toy maker Günther or other manufacturers from the Erzgebirge, here.
Who was Peter?
Peter is a central figure in Christianity and one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. His original name was Simon or Simeon, but Jesus gave him the nickname Peter, which translates from the Greek “petros” (rock). With this, Jesus wanted to emphasize his special role as one of the pillars of the early Christian church.
Importance of Peter:
On the one hand, Peter is known as a disciple and apostle of Jesus, but on the other hand, he also plays a symbolic role in the history of the church. He was one of the first disciples Jesus called and was originally a simple fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. But after meeting Jesus, he left his profession to follow him.
Furthermore, Jesus referred to him as the “rock” on which he wanted to build his church, as it is written in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18): “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” This statement is still considered one of the most important justifications for his prominent position among the apostles. Particularly in Catholic tradition, Peter is also considered the first pope, as he is considered the Bishop of Rome. Thus, he is also venerated as the founder of papal authority.
Furthermore, Peter is often described as holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, which is also based on a passage in the Gospel of Matthew. These keys symbolize his responsibility to open or close the gates of heaven, making him the iconic figure of the “Guardian of Heaven.”
Character and Portrayal:
Peter was passionate, courageous, yet human, for he also showed weakness when he denied Jesus three times. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, he took on a leading role in spreading the gospel. In art, Peter is often depicted with a large key, a halo, and a long beard, emphasizing his heavenly authority and wisdom. His portrayal thus combines symbolism and personality in a striking way.
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