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Vintage Nativity Figurine Made in Italy Fontanini Papier Mache Cartapesta

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Original price was: $48.40.Current price is: $29.04.

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Occasion : Christmas
Type : Nativity Figurine
Theme : Religious
Brand : Fontanini
Seller Notes : “Vintage. Excellent Condition”
Country/Region of Manufacture : Italy
Time Period Manufactured : 1950-1959
Handmade : Yes
Features : Vintage
Subject : Nativity
Size : Medium
Original/Licensed Reproduction : Original
Material : Papier Mache

Shepard man carrying a sheep in his arm. 6 inches in height. This is an incredible example of Fontanini art and in excellent condition. The Fontanini company was the only company that did not stamp the bottom of it’s statues when they were produced for national sale and not intended to be exported. It is made of papier mache so was made before 1960. The exact year is unknown. Looking closely at the details in the shepard’s face, you can see the weight and strain of the day as he tends to his sheep. The sheep it self seems to have a mischievous smirk on it’s own face. You will find your eyes drawn to this figurine often. This is a incredible find and deserves a loving home. International shipping is available but only through ebay international shipping services. Back Story: All nativity figurines, unless stated in its individual item’s description, were made and imported from Italy. I know this because I brought them from Italy to the United States myself. They all belonged to my uncle who lived in Cremona which is a Northern Italian town very close to the area where these statues were made. So close that he even knew some of the original artists who painted them for Emanuele Fontanini and others. My uncle recently passed away at the tender age of 95 but not before he amassed a very large collection of these figurines that he started so passionately acquiring shortly after WWII. It was his wish, mine to fulfill, to find new loving homes for his treasures so that the joy they bring to people does not die with him. I have done my best to provide the clearest images of the figurines and to describe any damages to them that I can see. Obviously these figurines are very old, some over 100 years old, and do show some level of wear. Please zoom in and review all photos since all sales are final. Please message me if you have any questions or would like to see more pictures.

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