Nativity Scenes From – Europe Part 2

This is the third in a series of posts about nativity scenes from different world areas. We began in Europe with Italy. Now we will survey some other European countries represented in the collection: England, Ireland, Spain, Russia, and Denmark.

England

A beautiful set by Royal Doulton:


Ireland

A set made of Irish limestone
One of several crystal nativity sets made by Waterford, this is the Contemporary nativity.



Spain

Here is a set by Porcelanas M. Requena, made in Valencia, Spain. The blue and white plate in the background is by another Spanish firm, Santa Clara Porcelana.


A set of nativity ornaments by Lladro, the renown porcelain establishment from Spain.

A large Lladro nativity. The plate in the background is the Lenox "Trees Around the World" for 2008 representing Spain:

This Spanish hand-painted clay set is called "mud people." The figures have the cutest faces. I plan to do a post just on this series.

Russia

Hand painted wood nativity from Russia:

Here is a set of handpainted wood Nativity Tree Ornament in the style of Russian matryoshka dolls.

Denmark

This is a vintage handpainted wood nativity set from Denmark, done in a colorful folk style.

Another crystal nativity set is also a contemporary design, from Dansk.

Europe Part 3 will cover nativities from France and Germany.

Since this post has so much blue, i decided to link it to Blue Monday so others can enjoy the many nativity sets.

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally.. Please visit her for more participants.

Reed and Barton Silverplate Nativity Bell Series

In an earlier post we looked at bells of porcelain and ceramic. Today's topic is silverplated Nativity Bell Ornaments, Made in USA by Reed and Barton. A set of 10 were issued, 2 per year, from 1983 to 1987.

Three inches, the handles of bells depict nativity characters, and are marked on back, "Nativity Bell RAB." Each has a small hole for hanging on the Christmas tree.

Each bell figure was created from characters depicted in the nativity painting done by the Florentine Italian artist, Sandro Botticelli c1445-1510.

The first two bells issued in 1983, feature the Christ Child and Wise Man Melchoir with a coffer of gold. (Note: The bells are not polished, but were photographed in their 80's vintage finish!)

For 1984 there was an Angel, and Wise Man Baltazar with Incense.



In 1985 Wise Man Jaspar with his gift of Myrrh, and a Shepherd with a lamb at his feet.



Joseph and a Noblewoman were the characters for 1986.

The final pair, in 1987, were Mary and a Nobleman with a tethered monkey alongside.

Here is a view of the three Magi together, after a quick polish:

And with a blue background:

Thanks for stopping by and do visit again soon to see other treasures at CNG.

Crash! There goes the Tree...

On Tuesday January 27, 2009 there were workers on the roof, tearing it up and doing a lot of banging, etc. They were doing a total replacement of the roof. The only problem I had was that the clock in the bathroom flew off the wall directly into the toilet!

On Wednesday, we were having a snow storm, so the roofing contractors did not come. After breakfast I was sitting at the computer in the study when I heard a crashing noise. I went to investigate and saw nothing in the dining room, kitchen, and hall. However, in the living room I saw the lovely nativity ornament tree fallen over into one the upholstered chairs. It had been placed on a round table with a glass top in front of the window. It had probably just shimmied over bit by bit on Tuesday, with the pounding on the roof, until the tri-footed stand just came to the edge of the glass top. There were bits of broken stuff on the floor and on the chair.

Ah-h-h….I had meant to return the decorated tree downstairs to the Carola Nativity Gallery, but had hesitated since it is quite a feat to carry the four-foot tree down the stairs. There had just been so much going around here that I had just been leaving it for another day.
I took off all the creche ornaments one by one, grateful to see each one that was still in perfect condition. I was especially thankful that the damage was minimal: one 1988 acrylic Miniature Creche Hallmark Ornament, (which I’ve glued back together), one blown glass nativity ornament, and two of the ivory glass ball ornaments. Thank the Lord!
(See an earlier post about these ornaments.)

Anyway, I thought that since they were all off the tree I could easily photograph them. With so much work with house painting and other improvements, I never got them photographed. I started to put them back on the tree yesterday, but set the Hallmark ornaments aside. Hallmark ornaments are a treasured American tradition with the annual dated ornaments on family, sport and other popular heroes, and much more. I collect Hallmark angels and nativity ornaments. I will share a few in today’s post.

Above I mentioned the 1988 acrylic Miniature Crèche Hallmark Ornament. This is part of a series that ran for five years from 1985 to 1989. In 1985 Miniature Crèche number one was made of wood and straw and contained brown figures inside.

In 1986 the second crèche was of white porcelain. It is a stylized arch with the Family inside. However, I could not find mine to photograph. In 1987 the third crèche was of copper and brass.

In 1988 the fourth crèche was of acrylic with frosted figures inside. It is star-shaped and has a gilt edging.

In 1989 the fifth and final Miniature Crèche was styled after the Spanish retablo, an art form used by religious teachers to carry the gospel from town to town in the Americas. Double doors open to reveal the Holy Family inside.


This next ornament is exquisitely detailed with and angel and the star at the roof of the shelter housing the figures of the Family with a lamb.

Around the back a vista of the town of Bethlehem and the scrolled and gilt roof:

A 1995 ornament shows figures of Mary holding the Baby Jesus and Joseph alongside. They are attached to an oval form. An angel hovers above.

On the oval back it reads "A Child is born/ The world rejoices!/ 1995.

One of my favorite Hallmark nativity ornaments is this one:


A golden arch hovers above the Family done in a sweeping sculpture. Note the tender aspect of the parents:

I really enjoy my Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, and I hope you enjoyed seeing them too.
This post is linked to Three or More Tuesday.

Three or More Tuesday is sponsored by Tam at The Gypsy's Corner. Please visit her for more participating posts.