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Diessen, a small town located on the shores of beautiful Lake Ammersee in
the heart of Bavaria's romantic countryside, has a rich historical and
artistic heritage, which dates back to the 9th Century.
During Medieval Times, two important trade routes joined
here, thus spurring the economic and cultural development of the region.
Diessen also was the way station for pilgrims who
visited many shrines and monasteries located in that area.
Pewter amulets, ornaments, religious pictures and
jewelry, sold at that time in churches and convents around Diessen became
very popular.
Their professional ambition and artistic talent made the
crafts people of Diessen famous, and their products were soon sold all over
Europe as collectible Pewter Art. |
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Since 1796, this rich tradition has been kept alive by the family of Wilhelm Schweizer. Even today they base their designs on originals often hundreds of years old.
Each piece is truly a handmade item, as every one is cast individually from molds carefully engraved in slabs of slate. Each molds "life" is limited to about one thousand castings after which a new mold has to be carved to insure the quality and richness of even the tinniest detail. The accuracy and intricacy of the finished pieces are testimony of the pewter caster's art and skill.
Selection ranges from Christmas ornaments to Easter decorations, from standing Folklore, Santa and Angel Figures to pictures for walls and windows, all designed with the same loving care and respect for heritage and tradition.
This exclusive Pewter collection will be increased annually with carefully selected additional pieces. All pieces are offered painted and unpainted. |
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The Schweizer Family Home and Workshop in Diessen, Germany, built in 1796 - renovated in 1956. |
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How
the pieces are created |
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Hand Engraving
The traditional design is skillfully carved into a slab of slate. The mold must be formed to create a mirror match. |
Hand Casting
Molten Pewter is poured into the feeding tubes to fill the design of the mold. It hardens very quickly, so a challenge of the design is to insure the tubes will fill the mold completely before the pewter sets. |
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Removing the Casting
The mold is opened in seconds. The new casting is taken out of the mold, carefully trimmed and prepared by the artists. |
Hand Painting
Each molds carefully painted by one of many talented artists. Enamel paint is applied with special Rotmarderhaar (Red Martin hair) brushes. These brushes allow very slender points to be made. |
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The text and photographs are used with
the kind permission of Skip Fisher & Jordi Arau of Alexander
International Importers]
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