Erzgebirgische Volkskunst Jan Stephani

Many still know them from their childhood days: the funny animals made of wood, whose limbs are held together inside with little strings. When you press on the bottom of the base, the animals collapse and straighten up again when you let go. The company Jan Stephani from Seiffen has specialized in the production of the lively wiggle animals. The family run business has been making Erzgebirge wood art in the third generation since 1935. Initially, the company's founder Kurt Stephani made mainly toys in the basement of his home. The business grew, and a magnificent music box became his masterpiece in 1951. A few years later, the first wiggle figures were added to the program. Since taking over the company in 2000, his grandson Jan Stephani has continued the long tradition of the wiggle figures, which are now available in countless variations.

Jan Stephani's wiggle animals are wonderful little souvenirs that bring a smile to the face of even the most pinched of contemporaries - whether as the gift recipient's favorite animal, or generally as wiggle figure Lucky Pig or Christmas Elk.

In addition to donkeys, cats, horses and dogs, exotic variants such as giraffe, hippo, or even dinosaurs are available. Even penguins have been wiggling around on their pedestals lately and have their fan base not only among the very young customers. Hardly anyone can resist the naive charm of the funny little animals, which can be set in motion in so many different ways by pressing on the base.