Description

Antique German putz wooly sheeps, Erzgebirge Christmas putz wooly sheeps, primitive farmhouse wooly sheeps for Christmas Nativity scene.

MEASURES:
1 7/8″ (4.8 cm) wide, 2″ (5 cm) tall, 3/4″ (1.8 cm) deep.
One sheep is a bit larger: 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) wide, 2 1/4″ (5.7 cm) tall, 1″ (2.5 cm) deep.

DESCRIPTION:
Antique German Erzgebirge putz wooly sheeps, wooden legs and hand painted composition face, covered with wool fabric.
Price is for the set of 4 sheeps.

Some history:
The Erzgebirge region of Germany was the largest Christmas item and toy supplier in the world in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The Erzgebirge villages of Schneeberg, Olbernhau, Annaberg and Seiffen were the most famous of all producing Christmas items as early as 1830-1840.
This was a cottage industry which the entire family from small children to grandparents were involved. Families became known for the particular product they produced. Some families carved strictly animals while others made carts or pyramids. These items were hand painted and all have a wonderful folk art charm. Each piece is slightly different. Wood carved Christmas items and toys are still produced in the Erzgebirge region today in the same time honored tradition as generations before.

Germany gave us the Christmas traditions we know and love today. Some Erzgebirge carved pieces were hung on trees, while Schwibbogen arches and pyramids were placed in windows. The most sought after pieces are carts, animals, people and houses. These were used to create a Christmas putz.

Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree.

Displays under a tree were first photographed for Victorian postcards and a lot of times included gifts under the tree that were brought by Santa. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1940s and 1950s.

HOW TO USE IT:
Wonderful primitive farmhouse antique sheeps to collect and perfect for your Christmas home decor in nordic and Jeanne D’Arc Living style!

CONDITIONS:
Very good antique conditions, great patina, ears, legs and tails are intact.

The product has imperfections or a patina due to its age, as can be seen in the photos. Please take a close look at the pictures before making your purchase!

If you need more photos or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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