Nutcracker Suite
Germany
Christian Steinbach (Smithsonian)
Setting – J. G. Roten

Nutcracker figurines from Saxony are well known in many parts of the Western world. Square-faced and stern-eyed they have lent their limbs of turned wood to dozens of different characters. Christian Steinbach designed these three wise men and clothed them in exquisite finery, creating thus a telling contrast between the stark and awkward simplicity of the wooden figures and their rich, colorful and elegant robes – all of satin, silk and fur! His wise men teach us an important lesson. Even a timid and helpless heart will brightly shine forth, if and when bringing generous gifts to the manger.