PEWTER NATIVITY ARCH BY WILHELM SCHWEIZER

This lovely pewter nativity is made in a shape called a Schwibbogen. The Schwibbogen originated in the region of the former East Germany called the Erzgebirge. This region was formerly a mining district, and the shape of the opening of the mine may have been the inspiration for this arch shape with figures inside. The original mold for this nativity was carved into slate. The casting, cleaning up of the cast piece, and the painting are all done by hand. It is painted on both sides. The attention to detail is amazing, once you start looking closely. There are angels, animals, a shooting star, and a shepherd in addition to Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus. This is a nice addition to a nativity collection or for someone who loves painted pewter. The piece is eleven inches wide (28 cm.).