Ljungstroms of Sweden Tomte Gnome Santa Figurine - Large God Jul Sign

Large sized Ljungströms tomten gnomes figurine has a whimsical face and helpfully holds a sign wishing you God Jul. Knitted red outfits with leatherette belt trim and soft sheep’s wool beard. Original sticker bottom. About 8” tall. Very good from smoke free storage.

A “tomte" is a figure from Swedish folklore often depicted as a small, bearded man wearing a gray robe and a pointy red cap. The tomte is believed to be the spirit of the first farmer on a homestead and is responsible for the well-being of the farm, its animals, and its land. While protective, they are also mischievous, known to play pranks if they feel insulted or disrespected, such as braiding the tails of cattle. They don't require much from the household, but they do demand respect and a special bowl of porridge with butter on Christmas Eve.

Ljungströms Svarveri AB, founded 1940, has been making these handmade and painted tomten, or “Santas” since 1950 using traditional woods, knitted and felt fabrics and folk cra