Vintage Krampus figures - bundle, red, black and green

Vintage Krampus figures in great condition. These are made with chenille pipe cleaners and a paper mache or composition head (as it's painted it's hard to be sure which).  

Lovely, characterful examples - one each in green, red and black. The red Krampus carries the traditional bundle of twigs.

Approximate measurements: 

• Red figure: 10.5 cm x 4 cm (4.1 x 1.6 inches)
• Black figure: 5.3 cm x 2.5 cm (2.1 x 0.98 inches)
• Green figure: 5.5 cm x 2.8 cm (2.2 x 1.1 inches)
  
  

  Traditionally known as the horned companion of Saint Nicholas, Krampus is a figure from Central European legend who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. Using chenille pipe cleaners—a soft, flexible craft material—was a way to soften Krampus’s frightening image while maintaining his iconic features, such as horns, claws, and a long tongue.

  These figures typically stand just a few inches tall and are intricately twisted and shaped by hand. The pipe cleaners provide a perfect medium for adding texture to fur, creating bendable limbs, to which molded heads are added. Red and black are common color choices, highlighting Krampus’s devilish nature.

  Vintage chenille Krampus figures—especially those made in Germany or Austria in the early to mid-20th century—have become increasingly collectible. Their rarity, handmade charm, and connection to traditional holiday customs make them highly valued by collectors of folk art and holiday ephemera. These pieces often fetch high prices at auctions and are treasured for their nostalgic and cultural significance.