The origin of the current line of figurines and music boxes is a treasure trove of more than 2,500 instantly recognizable original designs, patterns, and drawings from the pens of company founders Grete Wendt and Olly Wendt, née Sommer. Thanks to faithful reproduction, the original shapes and colors have been retained. By passing on the craftsmanship from generation to generation, each individual piece becomes a striking work of art that exudes charm, good taste, tradition, and exclusivity. Each year, we carefully select which figurines to remove from production for at least five years. They are then given an honored place in the Grand Sample Cabinet in the historic gallery of the 270-square-meter Wendt & Kühn World.
Click on the images below for a brief introduction to the different product groups.
Eleven Dot Angels
They are one-of-a-kind. The Eleven Dot Angels of Wendt & Kühn enchant with their form, expressiveness, and musical skills. Designed by company founder Grete Wendt, the Eleven Dot Angel first appeared in 1923 and broke new creative ground. In contrast to the traditional Erzgebirge arts and crafts, which often appeared a bit stiff, Grete Wendt incorporated a lively dynamic into her designs. She succeeded in creating angels capable not only of standing but also walking, flying, and playing music. She achieved this effect by using a new technique that overcame the limitations of the inherent symmetry of the wood turning process. By cutting the figurine’s arms and legs at an angle and reattaching them, her creations were imbued with motion and energy. Momentum, carefree lightness, and cheer are attributes that describe Grete Wendt’s angels still today and make them popular collectors’ pieces worldwide. Arranged in a large orchestra, they play the most beautiful pieces. Also, the angels gather in smaller groups of quartets or quintets to enchant their audience.
Marguerite Angels
The Marguerite Angels from Wendt & Kühn are utterly charming in their youthful lightheartedness. They are delicate to the point of being filigreed and stand just four centimeters (1.5 inches) tall. The objects they hold in their tiny hands are even smaller: Christmas tree decorations, a puppet, a nutcracker, or a telephone. A steady hand, a good eye, and dexterity are needed when making these miniature figurines, which are named for their signature flower-wreath crowns. Their varied activities make them prized collectors’ items and exclusive gifts. Over 40 Marguerite Angels are currently capturing the hearts of admirers both young and old. Whether as a standing figurine or sitting on a blue bench, they can be arranged in any number of small groups, telling a different story each time.
Blossom Kinder and Friends
No other product group so perfectly embodies the design philosophy as vividly as the Blossom Kinder. These figurines evoke innocence, kindness and a feeling of security, as well as the joy of carefree childhood days. Proudly bearing flowers and felicitations, they are messengers of happy wishes for birthdays, Mother’s Day, births, and anytime anyone needs an extra gift of joy.
Christmas Tree Decorations
Take inspiration from the variety of Wendt & Kühn christmas tree ornaments. These tiny heavenly messengers are suspended on golden rings, and crescent moons, and ride stars and comet tails. The Angels on Clips are equally eye-catching. Perched on a metal clip, they easily attach to any branch of your tree. Trimming a Christmas tree or wreath with these stylish decorative accents transforms them into a very special holiday centerpiece.
Wall Clocks, Music Boxes, and Organs
The 18- or 36-note music boxes of Wendt & Kühn are elaborately embellished, fancifully painted, and equipped with quality Swiss musical works. Traditional Christmas carols, springtime melodies, or uplifting waltzes paired with joyous figurines stir memories, lull us to sleep, or provide a soothing interlude during a hectic day. The production of our wall clocks and music boxes combines artistic and technical craftsmanship into perfect harmony.
Christmas Items
Christmas with Wendt & Kühn has many aspects: elegant angels holding candles, richly painted angels with elaborate gold embellishments, industrious Santas, saintly Madonnas, Angels wearing Crowns, or the classic Nativity Scene. They all invite you to delight in the spirit of the season or inspire you to give an exclusive gift of joy at Christmas. The timeless design of these special pieces charmingly complements many furnishing styles.
"White Timbre Edition"
The violinist, saxophonist, and Angel with Gong were selected as the first pieces of the minimalist “White Timbre Edition”, launched in 2015. Like the Angels with Bass Trumpet and Harmonica, which were added later, they were among the most popular instrumentalists. As a quintet, they represent a refined composition of string, wind, bellows, and percussion instruments. The modern style of these figurines is underscored by a black-stained base with an inset, gold-embossed Wendt & Kühn stamp.
Large Figurines
Charming Eleven Dot Angels, Birthday Numbers, Knitting Ladies, and the Girl with Coloring Book are not just impressive because of their size. With their patterns and lines, both curved and perfectly straight, as well as their geometric shapes that demand precise symmetry – painting these Large Figurines requires exceptional dexterity, great skill, and an expert eye. Master craftsmanship creates unique works of art.