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Wonders of
Life
Jose Tomas
Esparza Leon
Mexico
The artist of this
set is from Tonala in the state of Jalisco (Mexico). He has won Mexico’s
presidential award for his art, and this nativity set was awarded first prize in
the 1996 International Crèche contest in Bellingham, Washington. Esparza makes
his nativity sets using pre-Columbian techniques inherited from his ancestors.
The clay is dug from the hillsides near his town, and the dyes are all natural
materials. The distinctive features of this set are the lively and varied design
elements, mainly floral and animal figures interspersed with geometric
ornaments. The ornamental figures are the real reason for this nativity set.
Christmas rose, peacock or rabbit: they all proclaim, in so many voices, the
wonders of life. |