A Magical Tradition Reimagined: The Ino Schaller Christmas Collection at BON TON goods
Each holiday season, BON TON goods transforms into a winter wonderland of artistry and nostalgia, illuminated by the soft glow of handcrafted treasures. Among our most beloved arrivals are the exquisite Ino Schaller papier-mâché Christmas figures—Santa Clauses, Krampus candy containers, glittering spruce trees, reindeer, and woodland creatures—each one steeped in German tradition and handmade charm.
We are proud to offer the largest selection of Ino Schaller Christmas figures in Northern Europe, including rare and one-of-a-kind designs created in collaboration with Thomas Schaller himself. Every piece carries the unmistakable spirit of craftsmanship: whimsical, refined, and timelessly collectible.
Explore the full Ino Schaller Christmas Collection ›
The Legacy of Ino Schaller: A Family Tradition Since 1894
Hidden in the quiet village of Meilschnitz in Upper Franconia, Germany, stands a small workshop that has kept the art of papier-mâché figurine making alive for more than a century. The Schaller family has passed down this meticulous craft through four generations, preserving both the original molds and the family’s secret recipe for the papier-mâché mixture.
In an interview with Thomas Schaller, the great-grandson of founder Ino Schaller, he describes the process with characteristic modesty and warmth:
“Every Santa Claus needs his time. From pouring the molds to hand-painting and finishing, it takes at least seven days for a figure to come to life. Our goal is to remain as traditional as possible—and yet, modern enough to keep the magic alive.”
Even today, each figure is cast in plaster molds, air-dried, hand-trimmed by home artisans, then painted and decorated in vibrant colors and sparkling glitter. Nothing about the process is mechanized. Every brushstroke and shimmer of mica glitter reflects the hands and hearts of those who made it.
Papier-Mâché, Not Pappmaché
Thomas explains the difference:
“Pappmaché is what you make in school with newspaper and glue. Papier-mâché, our way, is a liquid casting mixture of cellulose, cardboard fibers, and ceramic components poured into plaster molds. It’s durable, sculptural, and smooth.”
The result is something extraordinary: light, delicate, and yet resilient—objects that feel like heirlooms from another century.
A World of Santa Clauses, Krampus, and Glitter Trees
At BON TON goods, our shelves glimmer with the Schaller family’s enchanting creations—a parade of Santa Claus and Father Christmas figures, each with its own personality and flair.
You’ll find:
🎅 Classic Santas in rich red robes, finished with hand-applied glitter and vintage mica dust.
👹 Krampus Candy Containers, the mischievous Alpine counterpart to Saint Nicholas—collectible, dramatic, and beautifully painted.
🌲 Glitter Spruce Trees in shades of gold, silver, and forest green, ideal for mantles, sideboards, or as the centerpiece of a Christmas table.
🦌 Elegant Reindeer and Woodland Creatures, each full of charm and character, evoking the old-world forests of Bavaria.
Every piece is handmade in Germany and individually signed or stamped, ensuring authenticity. Because no two are exactly alike, collectors treasure them for their rarity as much as their beauty.
A Tradition Nearly Lost—and Found Again
The Schaller family’s story is almost as magical as their creations. In the 1950s, as plastic became the dominant material for toys and decorations, papier-mâché nearly disappeared. Old plaster molds were buried in the ground. Years later, a young Thomas Schaller unearthed one—a forgotten Santa Claus mold—and with curiosity and persistence, revived the family’s lost art.
By the age of 19, he had poured his first papier-mâché figure, reawakening a tradition that continues to define the spirit of German holiday craftsmanship today.
Tradition Meets Modern Design
The collaboration between BON TON goods and Ino Schaller brings a distinctly Scandinavian refinement to this historic craft. Together, we’ve designed exclusive limited-edition Santas in elegant, understated palettes—rose, gold, ivory, and deep green—perfect for contemporary interiors.
Each piece bridges old and new: traditional German craftsmanship meets modern European design. The result is timeless—ornaments and figures that blend effortlessly into both classical and minimalist holiday décor.
Collect, Display, and Cherish
Whether you are an avid collector or simply drawn to their charm, Ino Schaller figures are made to be displayed and admired.
Place them:
On a mantelpiece, surrounded by evergreen sprigs and candles.
As part of a Christmas table setting, adding old-world whimsy to a festive feast.
In an entryway or display cabinet, where their sparkle greets every guest.
These are not mass-produced decorations but works of art—each handmade, painted, and glittered by the Schaller family and their artisans in Germany.
Ino Schaller at BON TON goods
With one of the most extensive collections in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, BON TON goods is proud to share this story of craft, heritage, and joyful design.
Our selection includes traditional and contemporary Santas, Krampus candy containers, glittering trees, and exclusive editions created just for our Malmö shop.
Each piece reflects the enduring values that unite BON TON goods and Ino Schaller: craftsmanship, beauty, and the belief that the holidays should be both magical and meaningful.
