KWO - History and development of the company from its beginnings to the present day: Over 70 years of KWO Olbernhau
The KWO was founded in 1949 with the merger of several small family businesses. The experienced toy makers made a lasting contribution to the development of the company with their many small works of art. The traditions of the folk art from the Erzgebirge are cultivated with a great deal of passion. After reunification, the Feldevert family acquired the company, which today, with around 70 employees, is one of the largest producers in the region.
KWO product range varied - for the whole year
With more than 600 items, the product range offers "wooden art with heart" all year round for enthusiasts and collectors, including incense smokers, nutcrackers, pyramids, music boxes, miniatures, Easter items and modern home accessories. The creativity of the employees with their variety of products attracts various collectors who eagerly await the new products every year. The incense smokers from the KWO are particularly popular and coveted. These are available in different shapes, sizes and designs like the popular "Kantenhocker" (shelf sitter). During the Easter season, Easter bunnies, beetles, flower children or cute chicks enchant young and old.
KWO design and design - according to the KWO motto: tradition meets modernity
Beautiful design, highest quality and attention to detail characterize the company's products and the clear lines are characteristic of the new and modern design. An attempt is made to create a combination of modernity and tradition. Right from the start, the aim was to combine excellent design with a pronounced love of detail and to produce both in the highest quality. Accordingly, everyone who acquires KWO products, be it the discerning buyer or the collector of special folk art that is only native to the Erzgebirge, can always expect the best in terms of quality and design.
KWO with special home accessories
Anyone looking for very special Erzgebirge folk art to decorate their four walls will find modern interiors such as chandeliers or lamps made of wood at KWO Olbernhau, which impress with their clear lines and contemporary design. The company has received many prizes for its excellent work, such as the German "Spielzeug-Designpreis", the "Tradition und Form" award and the "Sächsischen Staatspreis" for product design.
Products designed and manufactured here create exactly the pleasant atmosphere reminiscent of bygone childhood days that one hopes for when buying them. Another special feature is that commercial customers are offered the opportunity to get individual custom-made incense smokers, e.g. as promotional gifts.
KWO incense smokers – shelf sitter, “Die Dicken” (the fat ones) and “Die Bärtigen” (the bearded ones)
Every year the range of incense smokers is enriched with new designs. The original shelf sitters, for example, are extremely popular. The special feature of these figures is that, you can place them on any edge. For example, the hunchbacked men can be placed on a windowsill or on the edge of a table. There are also seats specially made for the shelf sitter, which are available in a wide variety of variations. The selection ranges from armchairs, benches and chimneys to unusual things like a rolling pin. The plump incense smokers can also be placed very decoratively on the wall, using a decorative frame or a staircase-type wall decoration. There are no limits to the imagination and the possibilities.
Not only the shelf sitter, but also the KWO incense smokers, known among collectors as "the bearded ones", which have existed for a long time, are very popular. These now appear in numerous variations and designs. You can find an incense smoker for every occasion and the figures are also ideal as a gift or as a first collector's item.
KWO incense smokers embody different characters
The design of the figures is originally based on the life of the Erzgebirge. Therefore, miners, foresters or forest workers are very common. However, other traditional professions such as bakers, toy makers or chimney sweeps also find their place among the incense smokers and also Santa Clauses, elves and snowmen. In the meantime, modern motifs such as skateboarders or computer experts are also used as job descriptions, offering an exciting combination of traditional folk art and modern flair. In addition to the "the bearded ones" collection, "the fat ones" and the "shabby chic" incense smokers are also very popular.
The newer models of the KWO include the "Kleinen Kerle" (little guys), which in their shape and design are clearly reminiscent of the well-known incense smokers from the KWO and thus maintain the common thread that customers appreciate very much. The typical knobbly noses characterize the little guys and the beard is also very typical for KWO products.
KWO Collectors Club – A heart for incense smokers
Have you also given your heart to incense smokers? Then you are in good hands with KWO. As one of the largest manufacturers in the Erzgebirge, the company has been running a incense smoker collectors' club for more than 10 years, which is very popular with many lovers and collectors of wooden folk art. In addition to the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited annual club figures, club members are regularly informed about new products and about the country and people from the Erzgebirge.
Conclusion: Tradition and innovation in perfect harmony
KWO stands for quality, diversity and innovation in the world of Erzgebirge arts and crafts. With a wide range of products, from traditional folk art objects to modern home accessories, KWO has the right piece of Erzgebirge for everyone. Whether as a collector's item, decoration or gift, a product from KWO is always a good choice.
