“Wycinanki” pronounced Vee-chee-non-kee is the Polish word for ‘paper-cut design’. It is not known when or why this art form began to flower in Poland. Some suggest it goes back to the time when few farm houses had glass windows. To keep out the elements, farmers hung sheep skins over the window openings. Then, to let in some light and air, they took their sheep shears and snipped small openings in the skins, and these were soon recognized as decorative as well as functional.
Under the Star of Bethlehem and surrounding stars this simple paper cut depicts Mary and Joseph devoutly kneel on either side of the Baby Jesus. Jesus is lying on a bed of grass and cloth.
“Wycinanki” pronounced Vee-chee-non-kee is the Polish word for ‘paper-cut design’. It is not known when or why this art form began to flower in Poland. Some suggest it goes back to the time when few farm houses had glass windows. To keep out the elements, farmers hung sheep skins over the window openings. Then, to let in some light and air, they took their sheep shears and snipped small openings in the skins, and these were soon recognized as decorative as well as functional.
Surrounded by elegantly cut flowers, Mary is seated holding the Baby Jesus who is wrapped in swaddling cloths. Joseph stands next to them. A sheep rests at Mary’s feet while two angels flank the Holy Family. The Star of Bethlehem shines about the Baby Jesus while brilliant stars surround them.
The tradition of Christmas Puppet Theater, known as Vertep has been popular in Ukraine since around the year 1700. The word Vertep is rooted in the old Slavonik word for “cave.” Which is of course a reference to the place of Jesus’ birth.
The box which is used for the Vertep is known as a Shopka from the Polish word for box. This box is taken from home to home in the village or town for a series of performances of the Vertep. There are usually two segments to the Vertep: first, the enactment of the Christmas story accompanied by carols; second, a secular often comedic story based on local history or culture. Because of this the shopka often has two levels, the upper level for the sacred story and the lower level for the secular story.
This Ukrainian nativity is inspired by the Vertep tradition with its puppet-like figures that are housed in a decoratively painted wooden box which functions both for storage and when assembled as the stable for the Nativity.
The finely detailed figures are hand made using different natural materials that are molded, baked, sanded, glazed, dressed and finally painted.
Joseph measures a little more than 5 inches tall. The box measures 8.5 x 8.5 x 5 inches when closed.
This nativity was certified “environmentally responsible” by the certification of Ukrainian public organization “Living Planet.”
This delightful little nativity set from Provence was created at the studios of Lallier-á-Moustiers. In the typical tradition of Santons the artist added towns people to the scene. These are more important than the traditional shepherds and Magi as it allows for the Holy Family to be set in a typical Provençal context. When you look closely at the faces it is as the angel and the towns people are singing. Maybe they are singing Christmas carols?
The history of faïence in Moustiers dates back to the 17th C. It is in this tradition that the Lallier family has worked as earthenware potters or faienciers since 1946. They started in Paris, moved to Orleans and now have settled in Moustiers.
This delightful hand-lathed, hand-made wooden Nativity was created in the Baltic Nation of Estonia. The figurines are made of pine, birch and fabric. They are approx. 3 inches tall. The stable measures 16″ wide by 6.5″ high.
Note that the shepherd carries a star on a pole. This is a reference to the custom of children dressed as the magi going from house to house on epiphany, accompanied by a shepherd carrying the star.
This modernist Holy Family was made by hand in the Minho region of Portugal. The type of figurines used to depict the Holy Family are know as Minhoto, after the region of origin. They are carved out of solid wood and hand painted using regional Christmas motives. The figurines are created individually and then mounted onto the wood platform.
This nativity was handmade by Silva Dravšnik from Slovenia. The figurines are made of stoneware which differs from earthenware, using a potters wheel. Silva has used this technique for over 20 years creating many different figurines, both religious and non-religious.
The difference between stoneware and earthenware is twofold: first, the type of clay and second, the firing temperature. Earthenware uses low-fire clay. The firing temperature is up to 1,000 degrees F. Earthenware is porous when fired. Glazes used in earthenware are usually colorful, though there are exceptions. Examples of earthenware are bricks, flower pots, sculpture such as Raku pottery, Pueblo pottery, maiolica, and more.
Stoneware is made using high-fire clay, which is not porous when fired. The firing temperature is in the range of 2100 – 2372 degrees F. Stoneware glazes tend toward an earthy look, though there are exceptions. It is often used for handmade dinnerware, pitchers, outdoor ceramic sculpture, and handmade floor and wall tiles.
This Turkish Holy Family has a beautiful carnation motive, hand-painted on white porcelain. This technique and decorative approach dates back to the IZNIK – Ottoman Empire period (14th – 16th Century) and is characterized by the grace, beauty and balance of stylized flower motifs.
Geometrical and symmetrical patterns are drawn and painted upon a ceramic figurines which contain a very high concentration (85-90%) of ground quartz . The high quartz ratio makes these figurines difficult to manifacture and adds to their esthetic value .
This set features Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus.
The Holy Family comes with a traditional Turkish rug. Each rug has a unique pattern; the photo is only an example. The rug is machine-made and measures 6.25 by 4 inches.
This tender and sweet representation of the nativity shows a happy and pink cheeked Holy Family surrounded by an equally happy donkey and oxen. The star of Bethlehem rises above them. The joyful Magi eagerly approach them with their gift.
