Christmas Nativity Sets View RSS

Fontanini Nativity Sets 16 Oct 2010 11:13 AM (14 years ago)

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Fontanini nativity sets are treasured by collectors around the world. The Fontanini family started in the religious statue business in 1908 and created a tradition that has spanned four generations. The company was founded by Emanuele Fontanini in the hills of Tuscany, and is one of the premier manufacturers of nativity figures in the world. Fontanini figures go through a rigorous production process, making them very valuable, unique, and extremely high in quality.

To find out more about this set, click the picture!

Fontanini nativity sets are treasured by collectors around the world. The Fontanini family started in the religious statue business in 1908 and created a tradition that has spanned four generations. The company was founded by Emanuele Fontanini in the hills of Tuscany, and is one of the premier manufacturers of nativity figures in the world. Fontanini figures go through a rigorous production process, making The production of making Fontanini nativities is very exact. First, the figures are hand sculpted, and usually created off of an original drawing made by someone on the Fontanini team. The clay sculpture is remade out of beeswax after the team has approved the final design. The mold of the sculpture, using rubber or metal. It is then used repeatedly for mass production. Over time, this mold is refined to make the figures better by adding finishing touches. This final mold is used for the nativities until the team decides it should be retired. This process helps make Fontanini Italian nativities rare and collectible item distributed by Roman Inc.

The most important part of Fontanini nativities occurs in the final process. Each piece is hand painted. This ensures the character and quality. The Fontanini family has passed this tradition down from one generation to the next, for over 100 years. Painting the clothing is the first step in the process. The painting team forms an assembly line where each member paints a different part of the clothing. Another team ensures the most accurate and detailed of expressions are created for the facial features. The patina finish is added when the figure has been painted and dried completely. The figures are then presented for the story card team to develop a story for each figure.

Fontanini nativities are a popular choice for Christmas nativity sets. They are highly valued and treasured by all who receive them. Collectors appreciate the ease of adding to the set each year, and because the figurines are made of polymer, they are good for households with children and/ or pets because they resist breaking.

Collecting nativity sets and scenes 16 Nov 2009 5:26 PM (15 years ago)

You love nativity scenes and sets.  They have been a part of your life since you were a kid, and, perhaps, setting them up on Christmas Eve was a very special event your family.  For whatever reason, collecting nativity sets and scenes, or individual parts thereof, is a fascinating hobby.

The first thing you need to do is decide what your collection is all about. For instance, you could choose to collect sets from a particular country. Italy would be a great idea. After all, St. Francis of Assisi is credited with being one of the popularizers of the idea. However, every country in every age has added its own unique touch to the nativity scene.

You could also focus on the material used to create the sets. You could collect nativity sets made of metal, ceramic, onyx, fabric, wood, cornhusks, reeds, plaster, papier mache, etc., etc., etc.  The French produce their small clay Santons.  You can get beautiful hand molded and painted figures fom Italy.  There are beautiful carved wooden scenes produced in Africa.  Olive wood nativity sets come from Israel's West Bank.

You can collect nativity sets that look realistic or more modern sets. These generally have fewer figures, simpler lines and more subdued colors, such as the Willow Tree Nativity sets/scenes.

Think beyond traditional figurines with a stable. The nativity scene is available in many forms. Think pictures, Christmas ornaments, music boxes, snow globes, calendars and sculptures incorporating the nativity scene.

Many collectors go after figurines from collectibles companies such as Precious Moments, Hummel,Lenox, Fontanini, Jim Shore, etc.

More ideas are available ideas on how to collect nativity sets from the Friends of the Creche. This is a collectors’ society accessible through The Marian Library Web site at www.udayton.edu/mary/gallery/creches.html.

For specific types of nativity sets, see the following:
Willow Tree Nativity Set
Willow Tree Christmas Story
Fontanini Nativity Sets

Christmas Nativity Sets: The Willow Tree Nativity Sets 10 Oct 2009 12:50 PM (15 years ago)

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For those looking for nativity sets that have a different look and feel from the more traditional sets, the Willow Tree Nativity Set and the Willow Tree Christmas Story Set  provide excellent alternatives.  Both sets have the look and feel of folk art.  At the same time they express, in a simple and elegant way, peacefulness and serenity.

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