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Ulbricht Maestro Tchaikovsky Nutcracker

Thu, 07 May 2009 18:55:00 -0400

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is known for many musical compositions. Among them is The Nutcracker ballet which enjoys fanfare in modern times. With his musical pieces and his status as master composer properly cemented as world treasure, Tchaikovsky's fame continues.

In this homage, the Ulbricht Nutcracker artisan goes out of his way to painstakingly resemble the master of the Nutcracker Suite ballet. A fitting pose, the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker holds the score to the ballet and a mini nutcracker figurine.

In preparation for the cold Russian winters, Tchaikovsky is dressed warmly in fur hat, blue cloak, black winter boots, and ruffled feather shirt. All finely detailed in vibrant colors to please the collector in you. It is 15.5 inches tall.

Following the tradition for all Ulbricht nutcrackers, the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker one is handcrafted from solid wood and individually handpainted. So no two are ever alike.

Just like Tchaikovsky himself, this one is a timeless classic that's worth your appreciation over the years.

Santa with Bag German Christmas Incense Burner Smoker

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:53:00 -0400

This one is real neat. I don't know if you like incense, but I've had my experience with them and they can set the mood up quite easily. For Christmas, Santa Clause incense burners or smokers will definitely give your room a nice jovial aroma. What's that you smell? It's nutmeg, fir, and juniper.

There are different styles of Santa Claus incense burners. This one shown is the round belly Santa carrying a bag of gifts over his shoulder. Just like we remember him as kids. Perhaps making a delivery on Christmas eve. On his feet is a stack of more gifts. Maybe he just dropped them off. He is carrying a bell to let you know that he's coming. Of course, he is garbed in his famous red suit.

Made from solid wood, this incense burner has been hand carved and painted individually by German artisans from the Erzgebirge region. Standing at approximately 11 inches tall, it is distinctively designed with a vibrant array of colors. Hence, no two are alike. Makes a good conversation piece when you're displaying it.

Now, these are actual working incense burners. You just insert the incense of your choice in the holder and you're good to go. Add the fragrance of Christmas cheers to your living room.

Check out more Santa Claus Christmas ornaments.

Herr Drosselmeyer Nutcracker Toymaker

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:13:00 -0400

The Nutcracker fable seems to have two different storylines. We all know about the ballets that go on during Christmas. But did you know that the story is slightly different from the children's tale written by E.T.A. Hoffmann circa 1816. In both cases, Herr Drosselmeyer appears as a toymaker full of tricks.

Who is Drosselmeyer?

Even in ballets, there are several versions of the Nutcracker. Drosselmeyer plays essentially the same character in all of them. He is a toymaker. See his figurine? He's carrying a wee-nutcracker toy.

Drosselmeier gives the Nutcracker as a present to young Clara as a Christmas gift. The Nutcracker comes to life at midnight to do battle against the Mouse King. After the battle, he transforms into a prince.

In the children's book (and some versions of ballet), the Nutcracker is Drosselmeyer's nephew. Drosselmeier also had a hand in death of the Mouse Queen's children by building a trap for them. It was the Mouse Queen who had cursed Drosselmeyer's nephew into the Nutcracker.

Drosselmeyer is a key figure in the story. But his character is not one of complexity. He is, however, a worthy addition to many Nutcracker ornament collection.