Schwibbogen and Candle Arches form the German Erzgebirge
The first predecessor of Candle Arches (Schwibbogen) was manufactured 1726 from wrought iron. The German name Schwibbogen refers to a type of arch constructed in gothic times when an arch between two walls was called "Schwebebogen" (floating arch).
The look goes back to a tradition of miners, who hung their burning pit lamps semicircularly on the pit entry hole before they started their last shift before Christmas. The Candle Arch expresses the longing of light by the miners who did not see very much daylight during their workdays.
Everyday scenes from the life of the miners were the main motif at first. Nowadays the Holy Story and other religious topics often serve as motives. In addition the forest with its animals and the homeland can be seen.
The Arches are illuminated electrically or with regular candles. Some Arches even have buildings that are illuminated. In the Ore Mountains one can see the Candle Arches during the Christmas time in many windows and in over-size versions on public places. The Arch has found many lovers from all over the world during the last century. Nowadays one can find an Erzgebirge Candle Arch in New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Sidney, Rome, Madrid, Paris, Seoul, Rio, London and in many other places.
Our manufacturers Müller Kleinkunst Seiffen, KWO Olbernhau, Richard Glässer Seiffen, Christian Ulbricht and Saico Seiffen offer masterpieces with many different designs and belong to the most famous workshops of the German Erzgebirge.
The Candle Arch - an Original German Gift with a fine tradition
Nutcrackers - Christmas Pyramids - Erzgebirge Smokers
