Erzgebirge German Hand-Carved Wood Shaving Tree Christmas Pyramid with Deer, DDR

A traditional Weihnachtspyramide from Germany's Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region, hand-crafted in the former DDR (East Germany). The centerpiece is a finely turned Spanbaum — a shaving tree formed from a single piece of wood, lathe-cut into hundreds of tight, uniform curls that cascade from apex to base. Three hand-carved deer graze on the circular wooden platform around the tree, their figures rendered in the spare, angular silhouette characteristic of Erzgebirge folk woodwork.

The pyramid operates on the classic convection principle: heat from four candles in the tulip-form holders rises to turn the broad wooden vane at the top, rotating the platform and animating the woodland scene below. Walnut-toned turned finials and feet contrast the natural maple of the vane, tree, and platform. Retains its original maker's box with red Erzgebirge stamp reading "Nadelpyramide Nr. 135-N — hergest. in DDR," dating production to before German reunification in 1990.

CONDITION

Very Good. Shows light signs of use with candle-wax residue in the brass candle cups. All carved figures, the shaving tree, and the rotating vane are intact and in working order. Retains the original maker's box.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 10" H × 7" Diameter
• Candle Capacity: Four ½" diameter candles
• Materials: Wood (maple and walnut-toned hardwood), brass candle cups, steel rods
• Origin: Erzgebirge, German Democratic Republic (DDR)
• Model: Nadelpyramide Nr. 135-N
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included