Wooden Santa Claus Figurine by Kay Bojesen

Dogs, elephants, hippos, puffins, songbirds, bears, monkeys, rabbits, and rocking horses... Kay Bojesen is particularly well-known and beloved for his menagerie of wooden animals in all shapes and colors, though his creativity has also brought to life far more than just four-legged creations. As early as 1942, Kay Bojesen designed the colorful Royal Guard, which today stands watch in many Danish homes with its drums, flags, and rifles. When Bojesen created the wooden Santa Claus in the 1940s, his inspiration clearly came from the lacquered guard. Kay Bojesen ’s grandchildren recall how their grandfather’s house and shop on Bredgade, in the center of Copenhagen, were filled with these Santa Claus figures during the Christmas season, and how generously he gave them away to children and the young at heart among his customers. Now that Bojesen’s Santa Claus has gone into production, everyone has the chance to acquire one of these cheerful figures, which are sure to find their way under this year’s Christmas tree.

Design Icon in a New Look

The sack is a novel addition to Kay Bojesen ’s original design and can be filled with Christmas treats or small gifts as part of the festive decor. Or it can hold a special little gift for the recipient of the Santa figure—after all, as we all know, good things often come in small packages. Another fun detail is that “Santa Kay” can be seen as the prototype for Kay Bojesen ’s most famous design: The monkey, who first saw the light of day in 1951, has the exact same body and construction as Santa Claus. That really is a true Christmas story!