CREAZIONI CERAMICHE

The Art of Terracotta Nativity Scenes – Tradition and Craftsmanship from Deruta

Discover the magic of handcrafted nativity scenes, brought to life by expert hands and a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of Umbria. In Deruta, a town renowned for its ceramics, a nativity scene comes to life that combines technique, creativity, and passion.

Phases of Handcrafted Production

Slip Casting:

The first technique used is slip casting in plaster molds. Each mold, made of two parts, is closed and filled with liquid clay. The porous plaster absorbs the water from the clay, allowing a 5 mm layer to adhere to the inner walls. After about two hours, the excess clay is poured out, and the remaining clay is left to dry for another 5–6 hours, depending on room temperature.

Press Molding:

An alternative to slip casting is press molding. In this technique, the mold is placed under a press that forces the clay into shape. The clay can be reused multiple times as long as it retains its elasticity.

Hand Finishing:

Once removed from the mold, the piece is carefully finished by hand. A craftswoman uses a small spatula to remove the seams between the two parts of the mold, giving the nativity figure a smooth and defined appearance.

Kiln Firing:

The finished pieces are fired in a kiln at around 1000°C. It is during this stage that the terracotta gains its final form, becoming strong and ready for decoration.

Painting and Antiquing:

After firing, the nativity scene is hand-painted with acrylic colors. To give it an authentic, aged look, a bituminous varnish is applied, then patiently and precisely removed by hand. This antiquing process adds depth and character to the surface, enhancing every detail of the sculpture.

A Work of Art That Tells a Story

Each terracotta nativity scene crafted in Deruta is much more than a decorative object: it’s a true work of art, born from ancient techniques, skilled hands, and deep respect for tradition. Bringing one of these creations into your home means welcoming a genuine piece of Italian culture, handmade with dedication and love.

A Family Story, an Artistic Nativity Scene

From the heart of Umbria, an artisan workshop transforms terracotta into emotion.

Our Workshop’s Origins

Our small workshop was founded in the 1970s, initially focusing on the production of plates, vases, and traditional terracotta pieces. But in 1987 came a turning point: Antonio, the founder, had an idea that changed everything, creating terracotta nativity scenes. A pioneering concept, it proved to be a real innovation in Italian craftsmanship. Until then, nativity scenes were made only of plastic, resin, or papier-mâché. This breakthrough not only filled a missing niche but also revived the artisanal tradition of Deruta—already world-famous for ceramics but previously unknown for nativity scenes.

Hand-Decorated Nativity Scenes, All Unique

Each piece, after being shaped and fired, is hand-decorated with great care and precision.
We offer classic versions, such as the Madonna with a light blue cloak and white veil, and more modern, stylized ones in warm tones like beige, brown, or red. Every year, we introduce new color combinations while always preserving the spirit of the traditional nativity.
Alongside the molded pieces, we also create fully hand-sculpted nativity scenes. These are more intricate and valuable works in which each panel is shaped from clay slabs and assembled manually, piece by piece. These nativity scenes represent the heart of our artistic production and are the most admired pieces in our collection.

A Complete Range of Sizes

Our collection includes six different sizes, from a miniature 3 cm nativity scene to statues up to 50 cm tall. The intermediate sizes allow us to offer solutions suitable for both home displays and large scenic setups, always maintaining the expressiveness and detail of every character.

Our Stables, Built Like Real Homes

Among our most appreciated creations are our nativity stables, built brick by brick—just like real houses. This unique method is a hallmark of our workshop, making each nativity set authentic and one of a kind.

A Passion That Travels the World

National and International Deliveries, our nativity scenes are sold throughout Italy and are especially in demand abroad in countries where Catholic tradition is strong and the nativity is a deep-rooted cultural symbol.

Year-Round Artisan Production

Our production is consistent and year-round:
January: presentation of samples at industry fairs
February: development of contacts
From March onward: production begins, followed by shipping as soon as items are ready.

Each year, we create a large number of pieces, from the smallest to the most elaborate, all meticulously handcrafted with great attention to detail.

A Nativity Scene of True Value – A Story of Who We Are

Our nativity scenes are not just Christmas decorations, but stories made of hands, clay, and heart. Choosing one of our creations means supporting a genuine tradition, a knowledge passed down through generations, and the enduring art of the handmade which still captivates, year after year.