GermanMart, Ltd. is proud to present you authentic German wood carved art directly imported from Bad Bayersoeien in Germany. GermanMart, Ltd. offers a wide selection of religious as well as traditional theme sculptures. Each single item is carved using traditional techniques. Due to the wide variety of sizes and color schemes, we offer these products primarily as special order items. If you don't find a particular size or price that would interest you listed in our Store, please feel free to contact us. We will gladly extend a proposal to you if possible. Since GermanMart, Ltd. is in direct contact with the artists, we will gladly try to accommodate custom orders as well. But now read on, to learn more about woodcarving and the materials used.

The Tradition Of Wood Carving
Woodcarving is a classic art form that has been perfected by the artisans of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy throughout the centuries. The earliest indication is a report dated from the year 1111 where Rottenbuch -monks having visited the Ammer valley brought that art of carving all types of household goods to the "Berchtesgadener County". The carving tradition of religious subjects is supposed to be traced back to the Ettal pilgrimages. A travel report of a Florentine citizen from the year 1520 already praised the elegance of the carving products of Oberammergau. The treasured art of woodcarving has been lovingly passed down for generations by the families of these European regions, helping to build its current fame and success. While the desire to fashion wood into intricate carvings has been bred into generations of woodcarvers, the skill to do so must be learned. Many of the artisans from Europe’s woodcarving regions have attended an Art Academy. Four years of apprenticeship follow the formal education. It is during the apprenticeship that the artisan’s own unique style emerges, resulting in the fascinating variety of woodcarvings available today.

The Art Of Wood Carving

Artists and carvers breathe life into seasoned wood, keeping the lost art of woodcarving alive and respected. Over the years, carvers have also learned how technology can enhance their detailed figurines. Modern technology, in the hands of skilled artisans, has resulted in the finest carvings. Creation of woodcarvings step by step: 1. Artists prepare designs for woodcarvings. 2. Before carving into wood, the carver fashions a three-dimensional clay model from the artist’s approved drawing. From this, he creates a carved wooden master model. After the wooden model has been perfected, the carver selects blocks of wood from which to carve identical figurines. 3. By the time the carver is ready for the wood, it has undergone a comprehensive "qualifying" process. The first step begins with the cutting of select maple and linden trees at least 75 years old. Imperfect and knotted boards are discarded. Next, the wood is allowed to dry naturally for up to four years until it has a moisture content of only 8-12%. This drying process is of significant importance as it brings out the grain of the wood and eliminates the possibility of cracking. The drying process is carefully monitored to ensure that the wood of each carving will "live" forever without suffering the effects of time and moisture. 4. The seasoned boards are cut into blocks of varying sizes. The master carvers select from among the various woods for the piece that is perfect for their needs. Alpine maple is the wood most frequently used by carvers due to its clean, lightly veined appearance and hard unknotted texture. A carving of great size or detail (as a large statue), however, may be better suited to linden wood. A lathe is used to give the selected wood block a rough silhouette of the design it is to become. 5. Each carving is hand-crafted and entirely hand painted from start to finish. The detailed work requires much skill and dedication. Each carving takes on a distinct character as mandated by the grain and color of the wood. Though each carving is fashioned after a master model, no two are exactly alike!