A Carved Infant in Swaddling Clothes Wood Gingerbread Fertility Mold. Germany, circa 1600 This form was hand carved to make a gingerbread cake to be given to newlyweds to encourage fertility and new children often on their wedding day. This example is particularly fine and was probably carved by the gingerbread baker himself whose initials are carved into the side.

A Carved Infant in Swaddling Clothes Wood Gingerbread Fertility Mold. Germany, circa 1600

This form was hand carved to make a gingerbread cake to be given to newlyweds to encourage fertility and new children often on their wedding day. This example is particularly fine and was probably carved by the gingerbread baker himself whose initials are carved into the side.