Schnitzerei

Schnitzerei is the craft of carving, shaping material by removing material with sharp tools. In German-speaking areas, it most commonly denotes wood carving, but artists have worked in bone, antler, ivory (historically), and stone. It includes relief work on panels, figurative sculpture, and decorative objects for churches, homes, and markets. The term derives from schnitzen, to carve or notch.

Historically, Schnitzerei is strongly associated with the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) and other German-speaking regions where family workshops have passed skills from generation to generation. Seiffen in the Erzgebirge and Alpine towns such as Oberammergau are noted centers. Traditional products include Christmas figures, nutcrackers, Räuchermänner (smoking men), wooden toys, and crucifix or altarpiece reliefs. From the 18th and 19th centuries onward, these pieces were produced for domestic use and export, helping define folk art traditions.

Techniques involve relief carving and carving in the round, with chip carving as a common decorative method. Carvers use knives, gouges, and chisels, followed by sanding, painting, staining, and sealing. Finishes range from natural waxes to vivid paints and lacquers. In modern practice, many Schnitzers emphasize sustainable wood sources and original patterning, sometimes combining traditional motifs with contemporary design. Use of ivory is now restricted or prohibited in most jurisdictions, reflecting conservation concerns.