Nativity Scenes From - Middle East

There will be several posts about nativity scenes from different world areas. We start with the Middle East, since that is where it all took place. The display shows items from:
Israel/Palestine, Egypt, and Iran




Bethlehem is in the West Bank in Israel/Palestine. Olive wood trees are pruned and the wood is used for carvings that are sold to tourists and others.

Here are typical olive wood carved figures and matching stable with star.


Made in Bethlehem, Israel/Palestine.


This 3-piece olive wood set is also from Bethlehem.
Camels are animals often associated with nativity scenes, as the mounts for the wise men.
The following three related items were made in Israel for Royal Cornwall China Each item is based on "Glad Tidings," an original painting by the contemporary master artist Robert Edgar Ahlcron.

The first item is a porcelain Christmas plate fired in Israel, dated 1978.
It is 8 ¼’" diameter, came in original box with Certificate of Authenticity. Plate No. 443 of 10,000. Bishop Maximus of Nazareth and Galilee signed each piece, along with his official seal stamped on each. The Archimandrite Gregorio Chief Abbot of Bethlehem also signed each piece and they are each stamped with his seal. The Artist, Robert E. Ahlcrona also signed each Glad Tidings piece..
Shepherds with their flocks listen to Angel announce Messiah’s birth, under the bright Star.

The second item is a tree ornament. It consists of a metal frame with a porcelain plaque.
On back it reads: "’Glad Tidings’/ by Robert Edgar Ahlcrona/ Christmas 1978/ Official Bethlehem Christmas Ornament"

The third item is a porcelain bell. It is 6.5" H. Number 443 of 10,000. Bishop Maximus of Nazareth and Galilee signed each piece, along with his official seal stamped on each. The Archimandrite Gregorio Chief Abbot of Bethlehem also signed each piece and they are each stamped with his seal. The Artist, Robert E. Ahlcrona also signed each Glad Tidings piece.
Angel announces Christ’s birth to Shepherds


From Egypt comes a painting on papyrus. Titled, " Escape to Egypt," it is hand painted in water color and gold leaf by artist, Nevine. Made in Egypt, 2000. 17.5"x14". Painted portion approx. 12"Wx11"T.
The scene shows Mary with Baby Jesus on Donkey and Joseph.
"Based on the Biblical story of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus flight to Egypt. Done in radiant Egyptian water colors on papyrus. Papyrus paper is the first known paper in history. It was found in the ancient tombs and temples of Egypt as far back as 2700 B.C. Papyrus paper, which comes from the papyrus plant, is popular for its strength, durability and elasticity."

Here is a reproduction of a print on paper from Iran. The text at bottom of illustration: "The Nativity, Armenian Miniature 1300 AC, Manuscript of All Saviour’s Armenian Cathedral, Julfa, Isfahan, Iran." It is matted and in wood frame with glass – 19" T x 14" W.

The next world area will be Europe.