Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany
Original 'Santa' mould from the 19th century.
Have a beautiful Christmas Almost without warning it is that time of the year when we start embellishing our houses with our favourite Christmas-themed accessories. Ino Schaller papier mâché manufacture specialises in the manufacturing of decorative figurines for the festive seasons and may be the answer to all ‘deco-holics’ and collectors out there, who cannot wait to decorate their homes with the proper seasonal accessories. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: INO SCHALLER
Based in Neustadt near Coburg, Ino Schaller is a long-established family business that was founded in 1894 by Carl Schaller, the great-grandfather of current owner Thomas Schaller, who runs the business in the fourth generation. “Contrary to our competitors’products, our figurines are entirely ‘Made in Germany’ and thus a guarantor for the highest level of craftsmanship,” stresses Schaller. “All of our products are hand-cast and painted by highly qualified artists.” Family ties are strong within the Schaller family and, as reminiscence to said founder Carl Schaller, all Santas produced today are still cast in the original moulds. 94 | Issue 44 | November 2016
Some are even still designed in the same way as their 19th century predecessors. It is attention to small details that make Ino Schaller’s figurines so popular. The lovingly handcrafted figurines are partially decorated with natural products like goose quills or fur, and enhanced by precious materials like Swarovski crystals, which gives them a particularly original touch. Love for detail, superb craftsmanship as well as the adoring design not only make the figurines highly sought after collectibles, but the family business an important and successful global player. Ino Schaller’s figurines travel widely and are sold in France, Switzerland, Russia,
or even Canada and Australia. “Our main market is the US American market,” observes Schaller. Luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and similar big names count among Ino Schaller’s customers and speak of the high regard that is also shown internationally towards Ino Schaller’s products. So, if you are still looking for the right Christmas mood, look out for Ino Schaller’s figurines. They are sure to grant you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas! www.inoschaller.de/en