The workshop of Emil Schalling has been a guardian of the Erzgebirge craft tradition for over 100 years. The company Emil A. Schalling KG was founded by Email Schalling in 1904. And it is nowadays managed by Emil Schalling's great-grandson Matthias. In the beginning, mainly wooden toys and doll furniture were manufactured, while later, as in many other workshops, arts and crafts articles found their way into the product range. Today, about 15 employees at “Holzkunst Schalling” work with great care on the lovingly designed Christmas pyramids and other articles in traditional designs. But the Schalling company is also exploring new ways, for example with the production of a designer nativity or the “Black Delta” christmas pyramid, which was even awarded with the “Tradition and Form” design prize in 2009. Precious woods are used to produce the “Magnetons”, which have been available since 2010. Their contemporary design, combined with novel magnetic-based connections, is an unique feature of the Erzgebirge wood art. Emil A. Schalling KG is also a member of the Tourist Association of Seiffen and the Friends’ Association of the Erzgebirge Toy Museum in Seiffen.

Schalling Nativity Figures

• natural
• white

The high-quality nativity figures of Emil A. Schalling were created in cooperation with the local designer Günter Schwoboda. The noble figures are turned from maple wood, finely polished and painted with a silk matt finish, which gives the grain of the light wood a fine shimmer. Due to the minimalist formal language with skillfully applied accents, the figures radiate a great calm and devotion. They are available in various combinations and thus suited for collecting and expanding. The “Holy Family” and “The Three Wise Men” are available in a set of three. The “Shepherds” consists of four figures with a size of 13 cm. Alternatively, the figures can also be purchased with white varnish. Since 2020, a large, 15-piece Nativity Set in natural colour with included platform is also available. All elements of the set are individual and unconnected, and can thus be rearranged in ever new variations to suit your taste.

Emil A. Schalling Christmas Pyramids

The traditional, multi-tiered pyramids of the company Emil A. Schalling are available in subtle natural tones. The hand-turned, modern figures of the Schalling nativity decorate the platforms and represent the Birth of Christ on two, three or four floors. The light wood of the pyramid contrasts charmingly with dark elements on the railing and other details. In addition to the classic versions for wax candles, electrically operated christmas pyramids are also available. The trapezoidal pyramids of the “Delta” series go even further into the modern age. A particularly extravagant eye-catcher is the “Pyramid Black Delta”, made of black glazed alder wood, which shows the holy scenery in a nocturnal atmosphere. The white glazed figures create a very charming contrast to the stylish dark frame.

Schalling Light Angel and Miner

The symbolic figures “Light Miner” and “Light Angel” are the trademark of the Schalling company and lead back to the history of mining. The miners' longing for light was particularly strong during the winter season, which is why the symbolic figures of the Erzgebirge Christmas season were created. The “Light Miner, coloured” shines towards the Holy Night with outstretched arms and reddened cheeks. In the miner's uniform and traditional colours he solemnly illuminates the Christmassy rooms. Two candles can be placed on the hands of the symbolic figure. The “Light Angel, coloured” is also a classic of the Erzgebirge Christmas decoration and should not be missing in any living room. In white, red and with a golden crown on the head, a shimmering shine falls on the figure when the candles are lit. Both figures are also available in a particularly splendid production with yoke and four additional electric candles on it. The yoke bears the inscription: Ehre Sei Gott in der Höhe (Glory to God in the highest).

Emil A. Schalling Erzclique

The smart members of the Schalling Erzclique (Ore Mountain gang) convey tradition with a wink. Designed by designer Luise Ullrich from Schneeberg, the boys and girls are contemporary, modern and come up with sophisticated innovation: The heads are attached with magnets and can thus be rotated in every direction. The base of the figures can also be rotated so that several figures can nestle close together. A fine glass tube in the hand of the figure can be used as a flower vase or container for a lovely message etc. Even angels and miners are interpreted in a completely new and modern way as members of the Erzclique.

Quality

The company Emil A. Schalling has committed itself to the continuation of the Erzgebirge tradition by becoming a member of the “Verband erzgebirgischer Kunsthandwerker & Spielzeughersteller” (“Association of Erzgebirge Artisans & Toymakers”). Skilled hands and the handcrafted production in small series guarantee individuality and high quality. Away from mass production, individual productions are created with high demands on quality and processing. The Emil A. Schalling KG is also committed to a responsible approach to the environment. The buildings are heated only with wood waste, the electrical energy comes by 100% from renewable energies.