Leuchterspinne is a wooden chandelier — a simplified version of a traditional product typology from the Ore Mountains, that is now critically endangered. The project explores new applications for artisan techniques, such as “Ringelbaumdrehen” and “Spanbaumstechen,” aiming to ensure the continued relevance and future of craftsmanship in the region. The Leuchterspinne was produced for Schloss Hollenegg for Design in collaboration with Dregeno Seiffen.

In the Erzgebirge, a distinctive tradition in woodworking and toy-making evolved in the 17th century, with Christmas decorations flourishing in the 19th century, and enduring to the present day. Shaped by the region’s long mining history, these crafts often drew on the everyday life and symbolism of the miners who defined local culture.

A vital aspect of this cultural heritage is the transformation of chandeliers from symbols of wealth in noble and affluent households into handcrafted wooden chandeliers made for the homes of ordinary people. Known as Leuchterspinnen, their design is characterised by simple production methods and religious symbolism. Unlike their Bohemian counterparts, which were adorned with glass, these chandeliers were largely crafted from wood, including the supporting structure and lathed elements that imitate glass chains and other ornaments.

As a contemporary interpretation of the traditional typology, Leuchterspinne combines local woodworking techniques with furniture-making elements and LED lighting. Taking inspiration from the modular approach to object-making in the Erzgebirge, where the repeated use of the same crafted elements allows for countless variations, the object employs a variety of traditional techniques and components. Its design is based on a custom-made structure onto which the various pre-made parts are added and re-contextualised.

Local craftsmanship in the Ore Mountains region is now endangered due to significant demographic changes, rising labour costs, and an ongoing generational shift.

In response, Johanna Seelemann and Robert Damisch seek to inspire future generations of artisans by analysing traditional techniques, adapting them to contemporary designs, and exploring new markets. This approach aims to establish a replicable framework, while allowing local craftsmen to produce individualised objects, as demonstrated by the Leuchterspinne, which serves as a pilot for the development of further works.