Collectibles: Nativity Sets - Creches for Christmas

Nothing is more fitting to collect for the Christmas season than the real reason the holiday is celebrated. There are as many different types Nativity sets as there are collectors. Pick a region of the world and there will a Nativity representing that area and culture of the people.

Nativity or Creches can range from the look of the old time masters to glass and modern art.

• The unusual Krakow Nativity is made of paper, cardboard and faux jewels.
• Lenox produces a variety of Nativity sets, the best known set is their all white with colored stones, China Jewels.
• Lladro brings their classic look to the nativity with prices well over $200. for a single figure.
• Another beautiful set is the Hummel Nativity -- price around $2000.
• Fitz and Floyd is another company that brings the Nativity set to collectors. Their figures are also purchased separately and the group can be added to over the years.
• Collect character figurals? Many will have a Nativity set made for their line, ones that come to mind include Precious Moments, Cherished Teddies, Snowbabies and Boyds Bears.

Fontanini Nativity
But when I think about a nativity set, the company that is number one in mind is Fontanini. Fontanini makes nativity pieces in sizes from 2.5" to 50" tall" -- a size for every home. If you are new to collecting, the basic 5", seven piece set is a wonderful way to start. Then once you are "hooked" there are numerous additional characters and pieces to add to your vignette. The Fontanini web site has an interesting history on how the figures are produced, but one fact that stood out was -- each figure is hand painted, except for the eyes. A separate group of artisans do all the eyes on the figures to get just the right look, something all collectors can relate to as the eyes can make or break a figure or ornament.

The smaller sets are made of Polymer and the larger pieces are done in a marble-based resin. My first thought when seeing the smaller Fontanini Nativity set was any item this expensive should be made of porcelain. But the detail and workmanship on the figures helped change my mind. And if this was out or porcelain it would probably be even more expensive. Actually, it is nice to have something that is unbreakable!

More Sets and Information:

• Pressed Tin Nativity
• Nativity Collecting, Fontanini
• Leather Nativity
• Krakow Nativity
• Thomas Kinkade Nativity Tree
• Veggie Tales Nativity Set

Resources:

• Fontanini
• The History of the Nativity Scene
• Friends of he Creche
• Bill Egan's International Creche School
  A terrific resource for Creche collectors and would be "builders".

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