Appreciating the touch of handcrafted tradition in the Erzgebirge.
By Ella Mercer
The low mountain range of the Ore Mountains acts as the border between south-eastern Germany (Saxony) and north-western Czech Republic. It is one of the most stunning natural landscapes and a region rich in cultural history. The silver ore mining industry here dates from the 12th century yet when the mining industry declined (the last mines closed in the 1970s), many miners turned to cottage industry professions such as carving and woodturning.
Imagine this wintery scene: the icy cold embraces the outside world and a warm glow radiates in workshops infused with the spicy aroma of incense cones. Sitting at workbenches, practiced hands sweep over the bodies of small wooden pieces with fine paintbrushes, fold stars, and mix wonderful holiday scents. Artisans work to integrate light with traditional craftsmanship. From Moravian Stars to wooden pyramids to charming hand-painted angel figurines to fragrant incense cones, old handcraft techniques are very much alive and not to be missed!
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