The House Of Fontanini Holy Family

This is the heirloom-quality nativity set depicting the Holy Family made by the renowned Fontanini family from Tuscany, world-famous since 1908. With its nativity sets present in churches and cathedrals worldwide--even Pope John Paul II had a Fontanini set in his private quarters--the family's years of experience as fine craftspersons is illustrated in every fold of clothing, facial wrinkle, and expression of awe and reverence etched into every piece. This four-piece set stands 50" tall and recreates the Nativity of Jesus. Each piece begins as a lump of clay dug from the wooded hillsides near Bagni di Lucca, handworked by master sculptor Elio Simonetti into the basic form of each piece, and inscribed with intricate details. A mold of the sculpture is then crafted from metal or rubber, with careful attention paid to ensuring the original details are preserved. Each figurine is cast from durable marble-based resin, then handpainted and coated with a non-toxic patina of burnt oils, earth, and lime, giving each figure its signature brown hue. Includes Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and manger. 50" H. (164 1/2 lbs.)