Already in the 18th century, pyramids were an essential part of the typical christmas decoration of churches in the Erzgbeirge.

The special capstan constructions are the archetypes for all pyramids. Capstans are shaft winding systems that use horse- and waterpower to transport ore from the mines. Such already existed in the 15th century.

At least one platform is attached to an axis. An impeller is attached to the top, the wings are lightly downgraded. Candle holder are attached alle around the pyramid to hold the candles which produce the thermic impetus that turns the impeller and thus the platform.

The figurines on the platform most often show nativity motifs – other popular topics are mining, forestry or angels.

Over the centuries, single- storied and multi-storied pyramids have been developed. While single-storied pyramids are usually candle-driven and have a height of 20 to 30 centimeters, multi-storied pyramids can be as high as 2 meters or even more and often have hidden motors. 

Especially in our time of energy-saving lightbulbs, the beauty and warmth of candlelight, especially in combination with wood, is widely appreciated.

No matter if candle arches, or advent candlestick – what humans need during the dark time of the year has become a rich Erzgebirge tradition that is well-known all over the world.

Our commitment to this tradition makes us continue it with new and innovative products in moden forms.  

Self-made presents are the ones that please most – for this, our DIY-Sets are a precious help. Even small craftspeople-to-be can make great presents with the precisely fitting wooden assembly parts. 

Our DIY -sets are available in several levels of difficulty so children can grow up making special gifts needing lesser help from mum and dad or the teacher every year.

Natural wood is the basic component for all DIY-sets from Kuhnert. All parts are made to fit perfectly. Most of the assembled sets can be painted with watercolours, acrylic colours, crayons or grease pencils.

Please note: our DIY-kits are no toys.  They contain small parts not suitable for children under 3 years. Older children should not be working on our products unattended. Up to the age of 5 years, we recommend using our kits with adult care only .

Glue and pens are not included.

Incense smokers are one of the most important and most variegated products of Erzgebirge folk art. Peace and contemplation start as soon as an incense cone starts to glow inside them and the plumes rise from their mouths.

Our incense smokers originate from Erzgebirge tradition but new motifs, materials and shapes can also be found in our assortment.

It is always worth looking around.

We snowflakes are made of select Beech wood. Our uncle, as he calls himself, turns us so long on a lathe, until our heads are spinning so fast that we get sick. He clains he´s shaping us round!

Our uncle continues turning als our body parts on the lathe. First he works on our head, next our cap, then our body is shaped and finally the turning of our arms and legs concludes the process.

Next our body parts are drilled. Then we are sanded down and glued together, so that all of our body parts fit perfectly. 

Since each of us has a different posture, we require individual assembly and gluing to show a different body movement.

As a result the dynamic of our body movement ist surprisingly unique. This is what our fans and collectors appreciate so much about all of us.

As soon as we are glued and in one piece, our aunt whisky us around in the dye and reminds us sternly not to slide off the needle. This procedure is repeated with several different colors, at the end we are moved to a different workshop to receive our make-up. We all love this part! Here we receive our pretty eyes, mascara for our eyelashes and cute pouting lips. Her artistic skills are truly evident in each and everyone of our faces.

Our Aunt is very nice to us and claims a little of herself goes into each of our faces.

With the creation process almost concluded we now may pick out our accessories in the showroom. This is truly fun, as we can choose a new handcrafted musical instrument to play, a sled, skis or even a hand carved little wooden bird and our appropriate gift box. With these items in hand we take our places on either a cloud or a snowflake. Before we are sent to our new homes, we are covered in snowflakes and lovingly coated with a clear vernish.

Ready to travel, we snuggle up with a soft blanket in our gift boxes waiting to arrive at your home.

We see us!