All posts by Johan van Parys

Europe, Russia

Russian Holy Family

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This nativity set was hand carved from European linden wood and hand painted in богородское or Bogorodskoye, a community known for its wood carving situated some 42 miles from Moscow, Russia.

The grotto forms the background for this nativity. The star of Bethlehem is painted on the grotto. The ox, donkey and a sheep are shown in to grotto. The artist painted a tree of life and flying birds on the reverse side of the grotto. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the angel are free-standing figures.

The angel atop the grotto is fastened to it by a wood pin. Thus the angel can be removed. The angel’s wings are fastened in a similar manner.

Nativities, Peru, South America

Born in a Canoe

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This nativity depicts the Holy Family in a traditional reed canoe, known as a caballito de totora. The sacks in the canoe are intended as offerings to the land. The figures are hand-molded in clay, painted and fired.

This Holy Family was created by Alberto Aparicio Canchari. Alberto was born in Ayacucho in 1965. He is a dedicated ceramist, inspired by the customs and beliefs of Andean villages. 


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Europe, France

Painted Pebble Nativity

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This unique nativity was created by Martine Gaussen who lives in Tourrette-sur-Loup, in the south of France.

Ms. Gaussen collects pebbles from the river Loup and paints on them. Influenced by the style of Russian icons her nativities comprise the Holy Family, shepherds, Magi but also local townspeople in the tradition of the French Santons.

This nativity includes Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a music making angel, and ox and donkey, several Magi, both make and female, a shepherd and shepherdess, a baker and and elderly couple.