OUR COLLECTION — ASIA — CHINA 171. SMALL BELL NATIVITY WALL HANGING
This Nativity is a small bell-shaped wall hanging with Chinese knots and tassels. Knots are a symbol of unity in Chinese culture (what a great symbol for the Holy Family!). The choice of red for the knots and tassels is also important. In addition to attracting luck, red is the color of joy and happiness in Chinese culture. Thus Chinese brides always wear red; the origins of this practice can be traced back to the Song dynasty (960-1279). The total length of this hanging is 20 inches.
The carving itself measures 4.5 inches high and 4.5 inches wide. The wood is aromatic camphor wood. The stain is between light and medium brown. Joseph and Mary stand over the manger and star. The stable is shaped like a bell. Two angels hover above the bell stable on either side. An eagle sits above the Holy Family. This piece is carved more simply than the other Chinese items (e.g., no facial details), but is still well done.
This item comes from the only Christian woodcarving workshop in China, located in China's Zhejiang province, an area famous for all types of wood carving.
The carving itself measures 4.5 inches high and 4.5 inches wide. The wood is aromatic camphor wood. The stain is between light and medium brown. Joseph and Mary stand over the manger and star. The stable is shaped like a bell. Two angels hover above the bell stable on either side. An eagle sits above the Holy Family. This piece is carved more simply than the other Chinese items (e.g., no facial details), but is still well done.
This item comes from the only Christian woodcarving workshop in China, located in China's Zhejiang province, an area famous for all types of wood carving.