FOUR NEAPOLITAN CARVED AND POLYCHROME WOOD AND TERRACOTTA CRECHE FIGURES

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THE PROPERTY OF A LADY: The custom for the Neapolitan creche or presepio has a long tradition. There is still a healthy rivalry to display the best presepio at Christmas. The tradition for larger and more elaborate presepi was started by the Bourbon King Charles III who delighted in extravagant Nativity displays which were mimicked by the Nobility and in turn by ordinary families. In the late eighteenth century artisans specialising in presepi flourished. Apart from the Holy family and Wise Men, tradesmen, market sellers peasants and animals were all produced, most with painted terracotta heads and compositon and wood bodies which were dressed in silks and fabrics. The Museo Nazionale di Sa Martino in Naples is noted for its vast and varied collection of presepi figures. All the following figures have glass eyes and some have inked inventory numbers.

FOUR NEAPOLITAN CARVED AND POLYCHROME WOOD AND TERRACOTTA CRECHE FIGURES

LATE 18TH OR EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details

FOUR NEAPOLITAN CARVED AND POLYCHROME WOOD AND TERRACOTTA CRECHE FIGURES
LATE 18TH OR EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Comprising models of Joseph and an Oriental man, and two women, mostly dressed in silks with some metal thread embroidery, with inset glass eyes and some inventory inked numbers
The tallest -- 12¾in. (32.5cm.) high (4)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot is subject to storage and collection charges. **For Furniture and Decorative Objects, storage charges commence 7 days from sale. Please contact department for further details.**

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