This lovely plate shows an entire village coming together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the center of the plate the Holy Family is depicted in a stable surrounded by a number of animals.
Painted Nativity Plate
All posts by Johan van Parys
Santiago Nativity
This is a charming nativity set was carved and painted by Alberto Perez in La Union, Oaxaca. This is a unique and lovely piece of Mexican folk art. The wood that was used is copal which is native to Oaxaca. Alberto uses a machete to do the carving. The aniline paint colors are bright and well coordinated. The carving is elegantly simple and the painting, bright and colorful. There are 10 pieces.
Colorful Clay Nativity
This colorful, vibrant nativity though from Mexico has a Southwestern flair. The vibrant, hand-painted hues on the clay figures and the wide eyed expressions on the faces create a very joyful scene.
Small Tin Nativity
This very colorful nativity is made out of hojalatas, or handworked tin. All figures are cut, punched, etched, and painted by hand. This kind of tin-work is a specialty craft of Oaxaca, in Southern Mexico.
The 10 figures which comprise this nativity are stored in a colorful punched tin box.
Brown Clay Holy Family
This rendition of the brown glazed Holy Family is charming and disarming in its simplicity. The closeness between Mary, Jesus and Joseph is emphasized by shaping them out of one mold.
Carved Gourd Nativity
Though one might have the impression this nativity has been painted on a gourd, rather the design has been burnt and etched into a gourd. Gathered around the Christ Child are Mary, Joseph, ox and donkey. A light from heaven envelops Jesus. The Magi approach the Holy Family offering their gifts..
Adobe Hut Nativity
This miniature nativity is set in an adobe hut with a removable roof. The five clay figurines are no taller than 0.5 inches. The hut itself is 3.25” wide.
Tree Trunk Nativity
This very expressive nativity is carved into a split tree trunk and shaped into a triptych. Mary and Joseph are represented in the side panel while Jesus and the choir of angels above him are carved in the center piece. The strong color pallet makes this nativity very lively.
Aqua Glass Nativity
This delicate nativity is made out of recycled glass by José Pinpinco. Mary and Joseph pray before the Christ child, who sleeps on a bed of straw colored gold by the bright light the Christ Child brings to the world. Further surrounding Jesus are an angel with fluttering wings. The magi complete the set.
Contemporary Andean Nativity
This beautiful Holy Family is a stylized version of a traditional Andean Holy Family. Using contemporary lines and traditional color patterns the artists arrives at a wonderful balance between old and new.
