The production of toys hewn from lathed wood

It is necessary to select the correct piece of wood for a skilled woodcarver to be able to turn it into a wooden toy. It must be suitable for lathing into a ring with a relief that will be appropriate for the production of a specific motif. This is followed by the cutting the individual facets into the shape of toy. The final step involves sanding and the possible addition of components such as wheels. In order to extend the service life of the toy, the surface is treated with a glaze or with a layer of oil. This results in a beautiful toy made from a natural material according to an interesting tradition.

The revival of the tradition of producing toys hewn from lathed wood is worthy of attention. The production itself is specific in many aspects. However, tools that are similar to those used in classic wood carving or carpentry are necessary to work the wood and transform it into the required shape of the toy. And, given that the production uses lathed wood, a lathe is also one of the essential tools. Maple wood is the most suitable for shaping as it has ideal cutting properties and a beautiful naturally decorative colour.

The production of toys from hewn lathed wood is absolutely unique in a number of regards. Mr Ladislav Chládek from Výprachtice is currently the only producer using this technique today. His path to this traditional method of producing Ore Mountain toys from a hewn block was more or less the work of chance. It is not therefore a family tradition, but involves the revival of an old technique. However, Mr Ladislav Chládek does not deny having inherited a certain feel for working with wood, because his father was a cooper. Mr Chládek currently offers more than 20 types of animals and 10 types of Christmas decorations which can also be produced using the same technique.