The Erzgebirge toy-making tradition hails from the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge in German) and holds a rich history dating back to the 17th Century. Initially, the locals turned to toy-making during harsh winters when the mountainous regions were inaccessible. Forestry and mining were the primary occupations, and as they gradually declined, the art of wooden toy making flourished. The Erzgebirge region became synonymous with quality craftsmanship and by the turn of the 19th Century, it was recognized as the epicenter of wooden toy production globally. An interesting fact about Erzgebirge toys is that every piece made in the region carries a unique seal for authenticity.