German wooden soldier / folk art

[sugarlady1980]

Have any of you seen a figure similar to this? I found him years ago in a nasty rental house we cleaned out. He is wired as a lamp and is also a leaning or balanced figure. There is a socket for a light bulb in his pipe.

I was curious as to where he came from. I would guess that maybe someone picked it up while stationed in Germany.

 

[Phil.H]

Don't know anything about it but I love it!

 

[daniscool]

Yes these are traditional in German/austrian culture. They are called Räuchermännchen. Most have a small chamber (usually made of whitebeam for heat resistance) where you can burn small incense candles. Some are just decoration. This looks like the latter.

 

[sugarlady1980]

Thanks Dan! That is what I was thinking, but glad I know the term now, rauchermannchen. I"m getting a lathe soon so maybe I can make him a lady friend