Nativity Art Of Naples, Italy
Since the 18th century, Naples' artisan families have created their Neapolitan pastori figures in workshops on Via San Gregorio Armeno, an alley in the Centro Storico heart of Naples. Established under King Charles III, artisans made life-sized nativity figures carved of wood, destined for elaborate church displays. Over generations, they evolved to the smaller , terra cotta figures of today. The artisans fire them then hand-paint them and often clothe them in elaborate costumes. It’s an art form that blends sculpting, painting, fashion and tailoring. The Neapolitan Presepio (nativity scene) is Italy’s high art contribution to the world’s beloved Christmas traditions.
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The renowned pottery artisans of Naples have been making their Neapolitan nativity figures, called pastori, in since the 18th century. In the early decades, the artworks were life-sized nativity figures carved of wood, created for elaborate church displays. Under the support of King Charles III, they evolved to the miniature terra cotta figures of today, an art form that blends sculpting, painting, fashion and tailoring. Today the Neapolitan pastori are a widely-known Naples Christmas tradition, renowned for their meticulous attention for detail. Figures are fired in terra-cotta, then hand-painted and often clothed in elaborate costumes. You will find the usual nativity figures here, the holy family, the three Magi, angels, donkeys and oxen. But in Naples, they love to arrange these figures in elaborate settings called Presepio– medieval town squares, villages with thatched cottages and spinning water wheels.
READ MORE: The Neapolitan Nativity Scene.
The terra cotta and glass-domed figures we offer here are made completely by hand, in the workshop of Gambardella Pastori, located on Via. S. Gregorio Armeno in Napoli. This is a third-generation family workshop.
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Nativity Set, Neapolitan Pastori
Size: 4.75 inches tall
This Nativity Set includes nine pieces. They are made of terra cotta and hand painted. Made by Gambardella Pastori in Naples, Italy.
SKU: PO-5_02$159.00 -
Neapolitan Nativity Scene under glass dome, 10 cm. tall
Nativity scene under glass dome made in Naples, Italy by Gambardella Pastori
Domed nativity scene features hand-painted, terra cotta figures, measures 10 cm tall, 4 inches.
SKU: PO-5_06$24.00 -
Neapolitan Market Lady, Terracotta
Market lady fruit seller, a terra cotta figurine, handcrafted in Naples, Italy by Di Virgilio workshop.
Neapolitan Market Lady is made of terra cotta. This one-of-a-kind figurine measures 10-inches tall by 4-inches wide. Clothing is slightly soiled to give it the authentic look of an 18th century figurine. Presepio Figurine “Venditrice Di Aglio” Handcrafted in Naples by Di Virgilio Workshop.
SKU: PO-5_23$175.00 -
Neapolitan Terracotta Market Vendor, Nativity Figurine
Market worker, Neapolitan nativity figurine, purposely made to look old, with hand-crafted, soiled clothing. Made in Naples, Italy by Gambardella Pastori workshop.
One-of-a-kind figurine measures 9 inches (23 cm.) tall, including wooden base. Hand-painted, terracotta figurine has glass eyes.
SKU: PO-5_25$145.00 -
Mick Jagger Figurine
Size: 6.5 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide
The Mick Jagger Figurine is crafted by Di Virgilio. Based in Naples, Italy they are known for their terra cotta figures.
SKU: PO-5_026$150.00 -
Elvis Presley Figurine
Size: 7.5 inches tall by 3.5 inches wide
The Elvis Presley Figurine is crafted by Di Virgilio. Based in Naples, Italy they are known for their terra cotta figures. This figurine depicts Elvis Presley holding a microphone. He is wearing a white costume. The costume is finely decorated with gold detailing and a colorful floral design.
SKU: PO-5_027$175.00 -
Kobe Bryant Figurine
Size: 7 inches tall x 2.5 inches wide
The Kobe Bryant Figurine is crafted by Di Virgilio. Based in Naples, Italy they are known for their terra cotta figures. This figurine depicts Kobe holding a basketball. He is wearing a yellow uniform, trimmed in purple.
SKU: PO-5_028$150.00