An incense-dispensing figurine of Angela Merkel with her trademark diamond-hand gesture has sold out within days of its launch, despite criticism from detractors of the German chancellor.
Handmade in the Ore mountains village of Seiffen, the 5.5in (14cm) wooden mini Merkel has her eyes closed and a serene expression. She stands on a little pedestal to reflect her 16 years in power, with a small incense candle sending smoke wafting out from under her hair — making her a Räucherfrau, or Smoking Woman, a traditional Christmas ornament dating from the early 19th century.
Mini Merkel retails at €69 but the first production run of 300 has already been snapped up. Ten per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the victims of last month’s
