Modern European Folk Art - Handcrafted Pieces for Everyday Living

"Toy making" is a centuries old tradition in the northeast part of Germany known as the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) - remarkably beautiful forests, hills and small towns must have inspired the artisans in their work. Nutcrackers, Smoker figures, Nativity Scenes and more are turned or carved from wood and hand painted in small workshops.

But the folk art has continued to evolve and new manufacturing techniques are married with age-old traditions and young artist-entrepreneurs are putting new twists on iconic forms.

Gingerbread World is pleased to offer a large selection of both traditional and modern Wooden Figures from Germany - from the Erzgebirge and from other regions like the Schwarzwald (Black Forest). Here are some of the more modern designs we stock.