German Folk Figure, Wood Artisan. It is believed that his birthplace was in Schonau, Bavaria, in the region of Berchtesgaden. He earned a modest living by building and selling his wooden creations that included toys and boxes, along with knitting picturesque socks. During his lifetime, the region of Berchtesgaden imposed strict commerce regulations in which each wood artisan could make only one determined type of product, and he specialized in making decorative wooden boxes that were designed for various uses, especially for storing things of every-day use, including foodstuff, toys, valuables, etc. Berchtesgaden also imposed fees on items produced that crossed its borders into other regions or countries. However, wares that were personally carried by someone were exempt from this fee and he, like many other artisans, transported his goods afoot with a backpack throughout Bavaria and even as far away as Austria and Switzerland. He would carry the wooden boxes to his markets over his shoulder and over his head, even after he was over 100 years old. In 1814 he was presented at the Frauenkirche Cathedral of Munich for Maundy Thursday services as the oldest man of Bavaria, at the age of 110. During that event he climbed the 300-foot southern tower of the cathedral. In 1817 he met Emperor Maximilian I of Bavaria who took over for his medical care until his death at the age of 116 or 117.
German Folk Figure, Wood Artisan. It is believed that his birthplace was in Schonau, Bavaria, in the region of Berchtesgaden. He earned a modest living by building and selling his wooden creations that included toys and boxes, along with knitting picturesque socks. During his lifetime, the region of Berchtesgaden imposed strict commerce regulations in which each wood artisan could make only one determined type of product, and he specialized in making decorative wooden boxes that were designed for various uses, especially for storing things of every-day use, including foodstuff, toys, valuables, etc. Berchtesgaden also imposed fees on items produced that crossed its borders into other regions or countries. However, wares that were personally carried by someone were exempt from this fee and he, like many other artisans, transported his goods afoot with a backpack throughout Bavaria and even as far away as Austria and Switzerland. He would carry the wooden boxes to his markets over his shoulder and over his head, even after he was over 100 years old. In 1814 he was presented at the Frauenkirche Cathedral of Munich for Maundy Thursday services as the oldest man of Bavaria, at the age of 110. During that event he climbed the 300-foot southern tower of the cathedral. In 1817 he met Emperor Maximilian I of Bavaria who took over for his medical care until his death at the age of 116 or 117.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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