The smoker Santa Claus, red is another beautiful smoker from the Wolf woodturning workshop. They are made by hand and with great attention to detail in the Ore Mountains.
This smoker represents Servant Rupert, a traditional figure at Christmas time. His appearance is long and slim, which gives him an imposing presence. He wears a red coat that is tied around the waist with a light cord. The sleeves and the bottom edge of the coat have light trim that matches the color of the cord and gives the coat a festive touch. His black shoes and dark gloves complete the outfit and make him look robust and down-to-earth at the same time.
Over his right shoulder, Servant Rupert carries a large sack that appears to be full of presents. This sack symbolizes his role as a companion to Santa Claus, who brings presents to children, but also represents the threatening element for naughty children. In his left hand he holds a rod – a typical attribute of this figure, reminiscent of the old custom of admonishing disobedient children.
His face shows a thick, white beard combined with a light moustache. The round nose and brown eyes give him a stern but also wise expression. His head is topped by a red cap with a light rim that matches his coat and harmoniously rounds off the figure’s color composition.
Smoking man Santa Claus red has a pipe in his mouth, as is typical for smoking men. This pipe underlines his down-to-earth, traditional appearance and gives him an additional calm and serenity. He appears serious and festive at the same time – ready to reward or admonish the children, depending on how they have behaved.
- Height approx. 26 cm
- for standard incense cones
- colored
The high product quality is ensured by a lot of commitment and attention to detail.
You can find more pretty incense figures from Wolf and other manufacturers here.
Who is Servant Rupert:
Servant Rupert is a central figure in German Christmas traditions and the companion of Saint Nicholas. His origins go back to the Middle Ages, where he became known as a dark, mysterious companion who supports Saint Nicholas on his visits. While Saint Nicholas gives presents to the good children, Servant Rupert is responsible for the naughty children and is thus considered a kind of “admonishing” figure. In his role he represents both severity and justice.
Servant Rupert is traditionally depicted as an older, bearded man, usually dressed in a long, dark or red coat. He often wears a hat, which identifies him as a traveling companion on cold winter nights. In his hand he often holds a rod or a bundle of branches, which serves as a symbolic “threat” to naughty children. He also carries a large sack that can contain either gifts for the good children or, in earlier depictions, coal or stones for the naughty ones. This dichotomy of punishment and reward is typical of his role and reflects the idea that good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior has consequences.
In some regions, Servant Rupert also goes by names such as “Krampus,” “Schmutzli,” or “Hans Muff.” These regional variations give the figure different traits and appearances, with some depictions appearing more frightening and others more friendly. In southern German and Austrian areas, Servant Rupert often appears as a fearsome “Krampus” with horns and fur, while in northern German traditions he appears more calm and serious.
- Today, Servant Rupert is more of a symbolic figure meant to teach children respect and good behavior in a playful way. While Saint Nicholas is remembered as a benevolent gift-giver, Servant Rupert remains the one who reminds them of consequences. This dual role of good and evil, reward and punishment makes Servant Rupert a fascinating and unique figure in Christmas traditions.
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