Saint Joseph Nativity statue by Dellarte Ceramics, 20 cm, hand-painted

Saint Joseph Nativity statue by Dellarte Ceramics, 20 cm, hand-painted.

This depiction of Saint Joseph captures his most spontaneous gestures, from his hand resting on his chest to the traveler's staff, assuming the protective position of the Holy Family. The warm tones of the brown robe and the cloak that envelops him, embellished with delicate touches of gold, make him a central figure in any traditional Nativity Scene.

Crafted from Faenza ceramic, each piece starts with careful pouring of slip into plaster molds, followed by an initial firing at 1000°C to prepare the surface for decoration. Colours are hand-applied with lead-free glazes, and then the figure is immersed in clear glaze to achieve a glossy, protective finish. The second firing at 920°C enhances the decoration, while the 10% gold embellishments are fixed with a third firing at 720°C, accentuating every detail.

This statue bears the signature of Dellarte Ceramiche, a small family-run business founded by Paola Zaghi, an artist and professor with years of expertise in art history and painting design. From her aspiration to blend tradition and aesthetic sensitivity emerges a collection of Nativity figures that narrate Christmas through the lens of art.