Vintage Mid-Century German Folk Art Belsnickel Style Felt Santa Claus Puppet, Paper Mache Face

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Description

This charming vintage Santa Claus brings serious storybook character to your holiday styling. Handmade in the mid-20th century, the figure … Read more This charming vintage Santa Claus brings serious storybook character to your holiday styling. Handmade in the mid-20th century, the figure features a hand-painted composition face with rosy cheeks and expressive eyes, a soft wool beard and brows, and a simple red felt robe and cap. A brown felt strap or makeshift scarf crosses his shoulder while he clutches a rustic twig switch bundle in one hand and a grey cloth sack in the other, echoing old-world Belsnickel and Father Christmas traditions. The body is a soft, hollow cone-shaped felt with an open bottom, making him easy to perch on a mantel, tuck into a holiday centerpiece, or even use as a tree topper or to cover a bottle or narrow vase. (Propped over a cylindrical vase for the picture.) Measures approximately 15" tall, 11" from hand to outstretched sack, and a head that is 3" deep. Good vintage condition with lovely patina. There is light paint wear and smudging on the face, especially around the eyes, and gentle age toning to the wool beard and trim. Felt robe and hat show mild pilling and lint from age; the top of the grey sack is frayed where gathered. Twig switch is delicate but intact. Structurally sound and displays beautifully as an authentic vintage piece. Unmarked.

Perfect for:
- A vintage Christmas mantel or bookcase vignette
- Mixing with German Belsnickel, Scandinavian, or cottage-style holiday decor
- Collectors of folk-art Santas and mid-century Christmas See less