Pickle Basket

"Pickle Basket" is a retired ornament from Merk Family’s Old World Christmas Collection, hand-crafted in Germany by Inge-Glas.

"Pickle Basket" is a retired ornament from Merk Family’s Old World Christmas Collection, and was hand-crafted in Germany by Inge-Glas. This long retired ornament is “new”, in mint condition, from store stock. Produced by the family workshop of Inge-Glas, now operated by the fifteenth generation of glassblowers, this whimsical basket of miniature pickles is sure to delight young and old!

Nestled on top of a bed of moss, in a real wicker basket, are three pint sized Gurken pickles. The ornaments are made of blown-glass, and are hand painted by skilled German artisans, and are topped with the star cap trademark, signifying their authenticity as heirloom ornaments created by Inge-Glas. This piece measures approximately 2 ½”, and comes with a story card telling the legend of the "Glass Pickle Ornament".

The story of the "Christmas Pickle": Pickle ornaments were considered a very special decoration by many German families. Years ago, in Germany, the holiday tree was decorated by parents on Christmas Eve. With the children all snug in their beds, the pickle ornament was always the last to be hung on the tree; well hid among the green branches and other colorful ornaments. When the children were allowed to see the tree for the first time on Christmas Morning, they would eagerly begin to search the tree for the hidden pickle ornament. This was their favorite tradition, as the children knew that the first one to find the special ornament would receive an extra special gift left by St. Nicholas for being the most observant child.