OUR COLLECTION — ASIA — NEPAL 204. LARGE KARMA WOOD NATIVITY
We commissioned this set from Narayan Shilpakar who is a professional artisan near Kathmandu, Nepal. Narayan is a Christian. The wood is a hardwood that they call karma wood in the Nepali language and 'hallu' in Narayan’s native tongue. The stain is a burgundy brown. The Joseph figure stands 4.5 inches tall. The trees are 6 inches tall. The base measures 12 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall by 5 inches deep.
Traditional Hindu art is mirrored throughout the piece in a blend of Christian and Hindu culture. Mary and Joseph are placed at the left of the scene with Jesus to their right. Joseph’s open palms facing Jesus show a sign of respect in Nepali culture; holding the palms out to someone is a way of sharing your light and spirit with them. A small sheep with intricately carved horns lies to the right of baby Jesus, followed by two shepherds. One shepherd holds a sword while the other shepherd holds both a staff and a feather. The two objects balance each other visually, but more important they balance each other symbolically. The feather is a writing instrument and symbolizes learning and knowledge that are balanced by hard work (the staff).
The backdrop of the set is an intricate stable with a cow carved into it. Two highly carved trees are situated on either side of the stable. An angel hovers over the stable and completes the scene. All pieces in this set have pegs that fit into the base, so they are easily removed for storage. The base of the set opens so that all pieces fit neatly and cleverly in the base.
Narayan had a sticker printed that he placed on the front of the base. The sticker reads, "This set is made of wood, by hand and in Nepal." The message is also repeated in the Nepali alphabet.
Traditional Hindu art is mirrored throughout the piece in a blend of Christian and Hindu culture. Mary and Joseph are placed at the left of the scene with Jesus to their right. Joseph’s open palms facing Jesus show a sign of respect in Nepali culture; holding the palms out to someone is a way of sharing your light and spirit with them. A small sheep with intricately carved horns lies to the right of baby Jesus, followed by two shepherds. One shepherd holds a sword while the other shepherd holds both a staff and a feather. The two objects balance each other visually, but more important they balance each other symbolically. The feather is a writing instrument and symbolizes learning and knowledge that are balanced by hard work (the staff).
The backdrop of the set is an intricate stable with a cow carved into it. Two highly carved trees are situated on either side of the stable. An angel hovers over the stable and completes the scene. All pieces in this set have pegs that fit into the base, so they are easily removed for storage. The base of the set opens so that all pieces fit neatly and cleverly in the base.
Narayan had a sticker printed that he placed on the front of the base. The sticker reads, "This set is made of wood, by hand and in Nepal." The message is also repeated in the Nepali alphabet.