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Vintage Tonalá-Style Mexican Folk Art Nativity Set – 13 Hand-Painted Clay Figures with Rustic Bark & Wood Creche
Beautiful vintage Mexican folk art-style Christmas nativity set featuring 13 charming hand-painted figurines accompanied by a rustic natural bark and wood creche. This distinctive collection showcases an eye-catching metallic cobalt blue and white color palette, intricate decorative patterns, whimsical facial expressions, and elegant gold accents.
Believed to date from approximately the 1970s–1980s, the figurines exhibit characteristics associated with traditional Tonalá-style Mexican folk art. The figures feature elaborate hand-painted floral, geometric, and swirling designs, with expressive faces, traditional robes, and charming individual details.
Several figures are adorned with distinctive metal halos featuring gold-tipped rays, adding dimension and character to the nativity scene. The Three Wise Men wear decorative crowns and turbans and carry traditional gifts.
The collection includes Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus resting in a manger, the Three Wise Men, additional attendants, and four animals, including two sheep and two larger stable animals.
The accompanying rustic creche features a pitched roof constructed with natural bark and wood, creating the appearance of a traditional stable. The roof incorporates bark sections and possible dried moss, while the textured base appears to be constructed from compressed wood fibers, cork composition, or similar natural materials.
The earthy brown tones and weathered appearance of the creche provide a beautiful contrast to the richly decorated cobalt blue and white figurines.
Item Specifics
Specific Item Name: Vintage Mexican Folk Art Nativity Set with Rustic Creche
Style: Tonalá-Style Mexican Folk Art / Naive Art / Traditional
Maker: Unknown Artisan or Workshop
Origin: Possibly Mexico; unconfirmed
Estimated Age: Circa 1970s–1980s
Figurine Material: Appears to be painted earthenware or clay
Creche Material: Natural bark, wood, and textured fiberboard or cork-like composition material
Color: Metallic Cobalt Blue, White, Gold, and Natural Brown
Number of Figurines: 13
Creche Dimensions: 8.75\" Tall × 12\" Wide × 7\" Deep
Figurine Height: Approximately 3\"–3.5\"
Theme: Nativity / Holy Family / Christmas / Religious Folk Art
Occasion: Christmas
Quantity: 13 Figurines Plus Rustic Creche
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with use, handling, and seasonal display.
The 13 hand-painted figurines exhibit minor surface wear, paint loss, and natural variations in their decorative finishes. The undersides of several figurines show exposed reddish clay-colored material, small manufacturing holes, and areas of paint wear.
One of the blue animal figurines has a small chip on one ear, exposing the underlying material. This imperfection is visible in the close-up photographs and does not prevent the figurine from being displayed.
The rustic creche exhibits natural bark irregularities, weathering, and age-related surface wear. The textured base appears to incorporate compressed wood fibers or cork-like composition material, with darker areas of aged surface coating.
Please note: The creche sheds some dark dust or residue when handled or placed on fabric. This material may transfer to cloth or surrounding surfaces. Displaying the creche on a protective surface is recommended.
The natural bark and textured construction contribute to the rustic character of the stable. Please carefully examine all photographs for additional details of condition, materials, and the noted imperfections.
This charming nativity collection combines traditional Christmas imagery with the distinctive artistic character of Mexican folk art-style craftsmanship.
The unusual metallic cobalt blue finish, intricate white decorative patterns, gold accents, expressive faces, and distinctive metal halos create a visually striking holiday display.
The rustic natural bark creche enhances the presentation, making this set particularly appealing for collectors of vintage Christmas decorations, Mexican folk art, religious collectibles, and traditional nativity scenes.
Perfect for a holiday mantel, tabletop Christmas display, seasonal centerpiece, or as an addition to a vintage Christmas collection.
Includes all 13 hand-painted figurines and the rustic bark and wood creche shown in the photographs.
The Tonalá-style attribution, Mexican origin, and estimated age are based on visual characteristics. No confirmed maker\'s signature or country-of-origin marking has been identified. 7614
