A Tour With Us

Introduction:

Toys, toys, toys – what are they? What makes them so special? Why do simple objects often hold such a powerful grip on our hearts and minds? At Funke's Foundry, we believe toys are more than mere playthings; they are indispensable threads in the tapestry of human history, as fundamental to our well-being as food, water, and human connection.

The Essence of Play:

At their core, toys are a testament to humanity's most fundamental capability: imagination. Through play, we ignite our creativity, learn about ourselves, understand how to interact with the world, and discover how we connect with one another. Toys are the tools of discovery, empathy, and innovation.
Wooden toy horse with wheels on a dark background

Timeless Design, Enduring Craftsmanship – A Historical Glimpse:

One of the most surprising truths about toys is the timeless nature of their basic precepts and designs, which have endured across millennia. Take, for example, the wheeled horse from Karanis, Egypt (estimated 1st Century AD). This ancient artifact is immediately recognizable as a toy, even to us thousands of years later.

Historically, toys were crafted in diverse ways. In eras like the Greco-Roman, artisans would both mass-produce these items for more affluent families, while many families likely made their own toys, passing them down through generations. Interestingly, the ancient Greeks typically had children sacrifice their toys as a transition into adulthood, where ironically, it was common to then collect very similar objects, simply re-categorized as something other than "toys." This rich history underscores how deeply ingrained these objects are in human life, transcending mere play.

Timeless Design, Enduring Craftsmanship – A Modern Glimpse:

Now, let's compare that ancient wheeled horse with a modern production from Holztiger. What's most intriguing is how each piece uniquely reflects its own time. The Holztiger horse vividly depicts our modern interest in the history of the Late Middle Ages (approximately 1200s – 1600s). It features a clear saddle and bridle, along with a caparison (fabric draped over the horse like an outfit) depicting the coat of arms of its owner. This caparison served both as armor and fashion, offering protection from arrows while also showcasing heraldry.

In contrast, the Karanis horse appears to depict a horse blanket, typical of its era. Saddles had only entered the Roman Empire around the 1st century BC and took time to be widely adopted. Additionally, neither horse depicts stirrups; while the Karanis horse predates the invention of stirrups, their omission from the Holztiger figure is purely a stylistic choice. This rich historical detail highlights how toys, though timeless in concept, are also fascinating windows into the specific cultural and technological contexts of their creation. The base of their craftsmanship has remained consistent, even as the details evolve.

Why Funke's Foundry Focuses on the Heirloom Today:

At Funke's Foundry, we celebrate this enduring legacy. We believe that a truly great toy should not last just months, but generations. Our curated collection focuses on heirloom-quality artisan pieces that embody timeless craftsmanship and inspire meaningful play.

As you explore our website – a digital extension of our mobile museum – we encourage you to take a moment and look deeper. Observe the craftsmanship, discover the intent behind each design, and connect with the stories embedded in every piece.

Throughout these pages, you will find us highlighting, wherever possible, the designers and other skilled artisans who have worked to bring these cherished toys into our homes and help fill them with memories.