Nutcracker Museum

4th Quarter Newsletter 2024

for the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum

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 WHAT’S HIDDEN IN THE BACK?

Many of the nutcrackers in the museum have interesting back levers that are never seen by the visitors yet add to the uniqueness of the piece.  A sitting Chinese figure opens its mouth to receive the nut as his long braid is lifted. An 18^th century couple from the Groeden Valley in Italy open their mouths as the baskets on their backs are lifted, and the back handle for a Pierrot serves as a chair as he plays his mandolin.

Others have the usual back handle, but decorated in such an attractive way that they deserve our attention.

		This oakwood nutcracker is from England, and is only 5.5 inches tall.  It is typical of 17th Century carvings.
		Flower shaped engravings decorate the back of this boxwood nutcracker. Late 17th Century, Holland.
		This Lady in ruffled bonnet has initials of AT on the front and the face of a man on the back lever. Walnut wood, early 19th Century, Italy.
		A snake temps with a bottle while a second acts as the back handle showing the evils of alcohol.  Yew wood, 19th Century, France.
		This early King with shield is carved of linden wood but is missing his ivory teeth. Early 19th Century, Switzerland.
		This Louis XIV boxwood carving shows exquisite detail and is unusual with head turned to the side.  18th Century, France.
		This Alsace gentleman with wig is carved of fruitwood.  18th Century, France. Most Alsace nutcrackers have a front cavity to receive the nut.
		This King, with a bird on the head denoting royalty, was carved in France of boxwood.  At 1569, it is one of the world’s oldest dated nutcrackers.

Arlene Wagner, The Nutcracker Lady