The Sohn family from Stockach-Zizenhausen had been creating clay figurines since the end of the 18th century, which were used in particular to decorate early living rooms. A total of 800 different figurines were made in the Lake Constance region and traveled all over the world. To this day, they provide an insight into the ideas, needs, prejudices, longings and problem awareness of the world at that time.
Clay figurine production in Zizenhausen began with nativity figures. Through contact with a Basel art dealer, various other motifs developed from around 1820. The figures, made from local clay and only shaped on the front, stand on an oval base with a text on the front. The back was probably left unfinished to save on materials. The figures depict French soldiers, caricatures of everyday scenes or traditional Swiss costumes. The works can be found throughout Europe today and are popular collector's items.
A small collection of Zizenhausen terracottas, including the traditional costume group from Unterwalden made by Anton Sohn, can be admired in the Glacier Garden Museum. They are among the numerous ornamental objects that the entrepreneurial women of the founding Amrein Troller family collected with great passion over the years in Central Switzerland.
Picture: Anton Sohn, traditional costume group (Unterwalden) H. 15.9 cm, W. 13.7 cm
