"RARE" Wendt & Kuhn Wood Sculpture Mary & Baby Jesus 5.1/8" Tall For Sale

Very Rare Wendt & Kuhn Wooden Statuette of Mary & Baby Jesus. The Baby Jesus is loose, I will glue it on.Very collectible.5" Tall x 3.5" Round Base
Founded in 1915 by Grete Wendt and Margarete Kühn in Grünhainichen, Germany, Wendt & Kühn is world-renowned for handcrafted, hand-painted wooden figurines, most notably the iconic Eleven Dot Angels and Grünhainichen Children. The company established a legacy of, delicate design, characterized by, and high-quality, traditional Erzgebirge craftsmanship.
Wendt & Kühn figurines are iconic examples of German woodcraft from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region, known globally for their distinct "childlike" charm and and Early Success (1915–1930s)Establishment: The company was founded on October 1, 1915, in Grünhainichen by Grete Wendt and Margarete Kühn, both graduates of the Royal Saxon School of Applied Art.The "Berry Children": In 1913, before the official founding, Grete's "Berry Children" design won several prizes, sparking initial demand that was met in her parents' home.Signature Angels: In 1923, Grete designed the first three Eleven Dot Angels as gifts for her employees. These angels, with their green wings and precisely eleven white dots, became the company’s most famous symbol.Marguerite Angels: In 1925, Olly Wendt (née Sommer) joined the creative legacy, designing the delicate Marguerite Angels known for their crowns of flowers.International Recognition: The company won a gold medal and the Grand Prix at the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris for the "Angel Mountain with Madonna".
Mid-Century and Nationalization (1940s–1980s)WWII and Post-War: Production was severely scaled back during WWII, surviving by making models for officer training. After the war, it resumed as a private enterprise in East Germany.Nationalization: On April 28, 1972, the company was compulsorily nationalized by the GDR government, renamed VEB Werk-Kunst Grünhainichen.Technological Changes: In the 1950s, angel wings transitioned from wood to plastic to prevent breakage during transport, a change marked by a green dot on the base.
Modern Era (1990–Present)Reprivatization: Following German reunification, the company was returned to the Wendt family on July 1, 1990.Current Stewardship: Today, the manufactory remains in Grünhainichen and is managed by Grete's descendants, including Claudia Baer.Legacy Preservation: The company produces about 400 different figures, maintaining traditional methods like hand-painting faces and using seasoned timber that can dry for up to two years before carving.

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