Christmas decoration (21) - Wax - Nativity figurines

Multipl piece Christmas nativity scene made of solid wax, colorfully finished, with the Three Kings, Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, additional figures and numerous animals. Largest figure about 16 cm tall. Mary and Joseph are approx. 10 and 11 cm high. Traditional, detail-rich execution with gold-colored accents. Signs of age and wear present, see photos. Origin and production period not secured. Sold as a cohesive lot.

1. Item Description
Multipl e, coherent, colorfully finished nativity ensemble made of solid wax. The largest human figure measures about 16 cm, the width of the human figures about 6 cm. Depicted are the Holy Family with the separately depicted infant Jesus, the Three Kings, other human figures and numerous animal figures, totaling 21 pieces.

2. Iconography and Artistic Style
The three kings are individualized by different head coverings, gifts, and garments. Gold-like accents emphasize jewelry, hems, and presents. Mary and Joseph appear in a calm, devout stance; the infant Jesus is shown separately in a rectangular manger. The animal group includes several sheep as well as ox and donkey as larger animals. The form language is traditional and Baroque-inspired.

3. Material, Production and Origin
The material is solid wax. The uniform figure bases and repeated animal forms point to production using molds, followed by colored painting and partial gold accenting. On the dark, flat bases there are no maker marks discernible. A Central European workshop, perhaps southern German or Austrian, is conceivable but not proven.

4. Condition
The photos show surface wear, darker recesses, and partly irregular painting. Individual small dents or missing parts are present. The head of one king is probably broken and reattached. For possible professional repairs, an additional clearly weathered figure is included, which is not suitable for conservation and open inspection.

5. Conservation
Do not heat, do not place in direct sun, do not clean with water or solvents, and do not repaint chips. Store cool, dry, and temperature-stable; wrap each figure individually in soft, pressure-free packing.

From private family ownership