Miniature toys from the Erzgebirge, both old and new. Rudolf Ender, Grünhainichen.

Late 20th century.

Wood, painted. H 4–13 cm.

Large collection of various miniature toys. Including 5 music boxes with a crank, a small Christmas nativity scene with 10 figures and 4 angels, various little horsemen, 5 nutcrackers, a peddler, Adam & Eve, etc.. Barely played with.

Rudolf Ender (1898–1986): His toys were painted sparingly in red, blue, yellow, and green; the natural wood finish plays a prominent role. Professor Alwin Seifert (1873–1937), director of the Toy Technical School in Grünhainichen, played a particularly significant role in the development of these miniatures. In contrast to Helmut Kempe (1914–1994), who often produced historical Erzgebirge toys on a larger scale (Kurrenden, nutcrackers, Leuchterberg miners and angels, as well as large incense burners, stork riders, and others), toy makers such as Rudolf Ender also produced their freely interpreted toy replicas on a smaller scale—not only as toys, but also as souvenirs and collector’s items.

Provenance: Private collection in Saxony.