#Middlebury #Antiques
Krampus is a legendary German figure who visits children on Dec. 6 to find bad children, catch them with his very long tongue, beat them with sticks and take them away to the underworld. This evil man was part of holiday lore for centuries, but this frightening idea was suppressed. The Catholic Church forbade the celebrations, and it was considered an evil political idea after World War II. Antique figurines and drawings of Krampus are still found in searches for antiques, although rarely are recognized.
Along with a gift-giving Santa, Christmas celebrations centuries ago included a devil punishing children, drunken men chasing people and coal for bad children. Krampus, this strange man, was to be feared. He took bad children away. This figure is a 19th century version of the horned devil. He sold for $1,600.
In the past 25 years, Krampus has reappeared in two new books of old postcards picturing him, a comic book, a TV show, movies and an art exhibit for the “cool” crowd. In Europe on Dec. 5, there have been celebrations with drunken men in devil costumes chasing people in the streets. But some are remembering Krampus in a friendlier way, by selling pieces of chocolate shaped like devils.
The pictured 33-inch-tall Krampus figure with golden horns was made in Germany. He is covered in black fur and holds a chain and basket full of naughty children. It sold at a Bertoia auction for $1,560.
Q: I have a set of nativity figures that came with a Certificate of Authenticity that reads “Original Lepi Woodcarvings.” It says they are made of maplewood, and carved and painted at Ortisei in Val Gardena, Italy “following an original design of Rupert Reindl, our famous master sculptor.” I have the box they came in. I’d like to know something about the maker.
A: Ortisei is an Italian town in Val Gardena (Garden Valley). Woodcarvers have worked in this area since the 1600s. At first, they made practical items for the home and farm. Eventually, the town became a center of decorative woodcarving, especially nativity sets and other figures. Lepi is a woodcarving workshop founded by Leo Prinoth in 1920. The company still is in business, and it makes wooden figures based on designs by Rupert Reindl (1908-1990) and other well-known woodcarvers. Christmas woodcarvings sell for half or less than the original price.
Current Prices
Christmas postcard, Santa Claus, seated at desk, working on his list, candlestick, maroon coat, c. 1905, $20.
Mittens, white rabbit fur, front and cuffs, red leather backs, cream felt liner, women’s, 1960s, 12 1/2 inches, $80.
Bell, sleigh, 24 brass bells, incised, leather strap, 100 inches, $110.
Christmas ornament, kugel, cluster of grapes, olive green glass, baroque cap, Germany, 5 1/2 inches, $445.
TIP: If you are a collector of old Christmas tree ornaments or Christmas lights, use these on the tree. Do not use burning candles – it is too dangerous.
“Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide” – the all new 2021 edition – is now available in bookstores and online, or visit www.Kovels.com for a special offer.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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