German Smokers From Erzgebirge

The incense-burning German smokers from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, are today one of the most collectible Christmas items from that area.

Mostly figures of everyday life were used as a motif. Nowadays, also Santa Claus and other modern motifs are manufactured. Available are salesmen, bakers, foresters, miners, chimney sweepers, standing smokers, edge stools smokers, large smokers, small smokers and so on. Woodturning is the main technique that is used to produce a smoker.

The basic form has remained largely unchanged over the years: the lathe-turned, hollow body holds an incense cone which, as it slowly burns, releases smoke through the figure's mouth.