Erzgebirge chandelier spiders - Germany / German Democratic Republic 1989

Erzgebirgische Leuchterspinnen The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the German Democratic Republic issues six multicolored special postage stamps "Erzgebirgische Leuchterspinnen". The special postage stamps are printed on a miniature sheet with border design. Special cancellations from November 28, 1989 to January 27, 1990 Erzgebirgische Leuchterspinnen Erzgebirgische chandelier spiders as landscape-typical folk art forms have as hangers their role models in the glass prism chandeliers of the nobility and the patricians of the 18th and the first half of the 19th century. They belong to the Erzgebirge and also Vogtland Christmas decorations. The term spider for this type of candlestick is derived from the abstracted similarity to the animal "spider". Erzgebirgische chandelier spiders usually consist of a turned profiled wooden dowel (spindle) and attached and bent wire forms with oil lamps or candle spouts, as well as with wooden ball, bell or prism-like decorative elements. In addition to single spiders, two-day double spiders were created. In addition, wooden ring-shaped rings with wooden pearl necklaces and crowns without a central dome, which are a special feature of the Seiffener area, developed. A special form are the chandeliers with built-in pyramidal impeller, plastic decorative elements and figure-equipped wheels. The rotational movement they receive by the rising heat of natural light sources and a needle bearing in a designed frame or a suspended rolling bearing. The position of the wings affects the intensity of movement. An important design element for these folk art forms is the color scheme. Contrasting multicolor gives them a festive as well as cheerful appearance. Today the Erzgebirgische chandelier spiders have conquered with their festive and festive effect of design and light in the pre- and during the Christmas period a permanent place in the apartments far beyond the Erzgebirge and Vogtland. In remembrance of the longing of the miners of the past, they document today as well as all other light-carrying folk art forms the striving and will of the people for a life in peace and security. 10 Pfennig value: Chandelier spider, Schneeberg, c. 1860 Carving and handicraft work of a Schneeberg miner, wood colored, two-tiered, each with six arms, which alternately show brass oil lamps and carved miner figures as well as ornaments and royal Saxon coats of arms. Drop-shaped and bell-shaped decorative elements hang on the candlestick arms, on the spindle crown are six abstract bird representations, height 62 cm, Museum of Mining Folk Art Schneeberg.