Pastry/cake set - Beautiful and extremely rare antique earthenware folk art baking mold in the form of a baked-in. - Earthenware - Baking mold / Pastry knife

Rare antique earthenware baking mold 'Wickelkind' (swaddled baby) with little legs – Alsace / Southern Germany, ca. 1850-1900
folk art baking mold in the shape of a swaddled child (also known as a 'Wickelkind' or 'Fatschenkind'). This authentic piece of historic kitchenware is a splendid example of traditional European folk art from the second half of the 19th century, presumably originating from Alsace or Southern Germany. Such molds were formerly handcrafted by local potters and used for baking ceremonial cookies or puddings at festive and religious occasions, such as a birth, baptism or around the Christmas period (as a Christmas child).
The interior of the mold shows a remarkably detailed relief that, in mirror image, beautifully transfers to the baked good. At the top the baby’s face is clearly visible, elegantly surrounded by a finely pleated collar (inspired by historical dress). The swaddling blankets of the baby are richly decorated with characteristic floral motifs and star shapes.
The mold is made in heavy, reddish-brown earthenware and finished with a splendid, deep orange-brown manganese- and lead-based glaze. The characteristic rear side features three fully hand-molded stand legs. This allowed the mold to stand stably upright in the warm ashes or on the floor of a traditional wood-fired oven.
An absolute top piece for collectors of antique kitchenware, Alsatian ceramics, or religious folk art!
4. Condition
very good, authentic antique condition with beautiful character.
- The object shows a splendid, fine-meshed and stable network of age craquelé in the glaze, which underscores authenticity and age of the piece.
- The three original legs at the rear are fully intact and present. This is extremely rare for this type of fragile earthenware, as these legs are often shed over time.
- Minimal, completely normal age- and use-related signs along the edges (small glaze frits/chips inherent to age and the historical kitchen use), no restorations and no large continuous cracks or crazing. See the photos for an accurate personal impression; they form an integral part of the description.