Victorian Dresden Ornaments

Dresden ornaments were figural ornaments made from embossed, pressed cardboard and manufactured by the craftsmen of Dresden, Germany.

There are 3 types of Dresden Christmas ornaments - one dimensional (embossed on one side), two dimensional (embossed on both sides but fairly flat) and 3 dimensional Dresden Christmas ornaments.

The most beautiful of the Victorian paper ornaments were these embossed, three-dimensional figural ornaments, which showcased the skill of the Dresden craftsmen. Usually finished in silver or gilt, these intricate pressed-cardboard decorations were formed in the shapes of a seemingly infinite variety of animals, vehicles and objects. Stunning in their detail, many even have moving parts, such as wheels that really turn!

Although they were quite sturdy, sadly very few survived to present day. Reproductions and pressed cardboard pieces of lesser craftmanship exist.

Authentic Dresden ornaments fetch high prices at auction, especially the rare three dimensional ornaments that occasionally become available.