The Leonardo Spire Creche

by Navidad Nativities

Medium: Primarily hand-carved wood

With a sinuous spiral peak soaring toward the heavens, this distinctive nativity setting includes a hand made, solid wood architectural piece that we have adapted from Authentic Models. The graceful arches are reminiscent of Middle Eastern details found in that part of the world. This nativity can be viewed from all sides. The back of the nativity is embraced by hand carved rock formations embellished with hand crafted copper wire gnarled trees. And the Holy Family and other figures are presented on pavers of natural stone tiles. Intricate Architectural Models are created in rich cherry and birch wood, beautifully finished in subtle shades of light and dark honey and resplendent with a distressed French finish.
The figures are delicately hand carved alpine maple wood from the sculpture studios of Original Dolfi, established 1892, in Val Gardena, Italy. Their refined expressions and sublime hand painted colors contribute an exquisite narrative honoring the birth of the Savior. The standing figure of Joseph is approximately 4" tall.
The overall size of this nativity is 23" high, with a gold base of approximately 15" diameter. It is not internally lit but could easily be surrounded with tiny fairy or rice lights if desired. As with all Navidad nativities, a piece of rock from the hills of Umbria outside of Assisi is included in the setting as a tribute to St. Francis who created the first nativity in 1223.