Dresden

In Dresden and its surroundings Christmas ornaments were made out of a very simple, but equally interesting material. Since the Seventies of the nineteenth century Dresden manufacturer and homeworkers used nothing other than common cardboard for that sublime purpose. It possessed not only the advantage of being inexpensive, but could also boast incredible rich possibilities in forming and shaping like no other matter, except glass. Indeed, the world of Dresden formations is overwhelming. Nothing has been left out, neither truck nor coach, nor boat, nor balloon, nor engine, nor zeppelin (to mention only means of transportation). In addition, thanks to the very careful finishing (glueing, laminating, painting and so on) by homeworkers these ornaments made for an impression of luxury and pomp, despite the simplicity of the starting material, in particular when gold or silver foil laminated paper was used.

For that reason it is not surprising to see Dresden cardboard ornaments being very high rated by collectors. As a result steep prices are to be paid when one of these rare pieces comes into the market. That's why my offer here is rather small. Besides, I will admit it frankly, whoever has become an owner of a Dresden ornament would like keeping and flaunting it on her own tree for all to see and admire!

One word about the distinction I'm making in the following when describing the single items. There are three main types of Dresden ornaments: flat ones, double ones, and threedimensional ones. The flat type restricts embossement to the front side. The double type shows embossement of both front and rear side, but the ornament still appears to be rather flat. Threedimensional items have a maximal depth of more than half an inch and give a spatial impression close to reality.