Chalkware 12 Piece Nativity Set. Never owned or displayed. Molded in antique chocolate molds dating from the 19th to early 20th century. Hand painted by the artist Rich Connolly of Rich Connolly Folk Art – Imported European crushed glass used for snow effect. Classic historical style art work. Sequentially numbered #52. Signed by the artist. Chocolate mold circa date included on bottom. For source of reference, the green robed man in the center of the set is approximately 8 tall. Christmas is around the corner! And it’s time to start getting ready!! Christmas is a time for family, food, gifts, and decorations. These beautiful pieces for sale in our store are all original chalkware folk art pieces that are a must have for any Christmas or collectible figurine lover. They are made brand new for us by an outstanding local artist who has been creating these wonderful pieces for many years. His art has been celebrated in the White House Holiday display and collected by many over the years, including people like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who collected Rich’s art regularly. This is an art form that is still celebrated but only crafted from start to finish by few. These types of items bring us all back to a classic age of America and will continue to for many years to come as our spirit for our country and the love for the holidays continues to grow. These particular pieces are made locally here in Bethlehem, Pa. The Christmas City of America, by accomplished artist Rich Connoly of Rich Connolly Folk Art. The figurines are molded from antique chocolate molds salvaged from the golden age of chocolatiering in the 1800’s to early 1900’s. This is a style that uses a chalkware compound in the molds and then requires refinement and the classic paint job done by hand by Rich Connolly himself. Many have a snow effect using crushed glass imported from Europe. Each figurine is signed by the artist and includes the creation year, item number, and the chocolate mold circa date on the bottom, as shown in the last pic. Any of these figurines would make a perfect gift or addition to any holiday collection. Thank you for looking and Happy Holidays! The History of Chalkware. In the nineteenth century, a gift of chocolate was a special treasure and every small European village had a chocolate shop. Chocolate was molded in all shapes and sizes. The early molds were hand-hammered over castings created by individual artisans. The sculptor was either commissioned or, in some cases, in the direct employ of the chocolate factory who would provide him with a studio and the wherewithal to pursue the craft. While it is romantic to envision this lonely artist laboring over a hot forge, it was not always the case. Some large factories evolved; Anton Reiche in Dresden, established in 1870 but destroyed in WWII; Letang Fils in Paris who continue to manufacture molds to this day; and Eppelsheimer & Co. Of New York City. American artists produced some of the most innovative and whimsical pieces based upon the original European heritage. Our hours of operation and communication are MON-FRI 10:30 to 7pm. Were very sorry if your question does not get answered outside of those hours. Thank you for viewing our products! We always appreciate having the opportunity to rectify any problems with our items or listings. Thank you in advance. Also we reserve the right to not pay for signature confirmation for items at our discretion. If you would like to not have to sign for your high value item and are comfortable with it being on your premises until you can physically receive it then please notify us before/while paying and we will be happy to send it without signature confirmation. However one week is more than enough to find out if you like somethings appearance or if it fits, or found a better price etc. The item “Chalkware 12 Piece Nativity Set NEW handmade from antique chocolate molds” is in sale since Friday, March 22, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Figurines\Angels”. The seller is “ezmoneybethlehem” and is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States