Few names in the world of Nativity scenes carry the weight of Fontanini. For more than a century, one Italian family has sculpted and hand-painted Nativity figures that churches display every Advent and families pass down from one generation to the next. Christmas Night Inc. has carried Fontanini figures for many years alongside our larger outdoor sets, and this guide covers what makes them special and how to choose and care for them.

A Family Craft Since 1908

The story begins in Bagni di Lucca, a small town in the Tuscan hills known for its artisans. Emanuele Fontanini started learning figure making there as a 13-year-old apprentice. After years of honing his craft and selling his work across Europe, he came home and opened his own workshop in 1908, in a single room.

His sons later joined the business, and the company is still run by the Fontanini family today, in the same village where it was founded. That continuity is a big part of the appeal: when you buy a Fontanini figure, you are buying into a tradition of Italian religious art that has been passed down for four generations.

What Makes Fontanini Figures Different

Each Fontanini design starts as a sculpted clay original. Production pieces are then cast and painted by hand, with careful attention to faces, robes and fine detail. The result looks like traditional Italian statuary, but is made to be handled and displayed year after year.

Genuine Fontanini pieces carry the company's fountain mark on the base. The name Fontanini means "little fountain" in Italian, and collectors look for that mark when buying older or secondhand figures.

The range goes well beyond the Holy Family. Shepherds, kings, angels, villagers, animals and stables are all available, so many families start with a small core set and add a piece or two each Christmas until they have built a full village scene.

Choosing a Size

Fontanini figures are made in several scales, from small tabletop collections up to near life-size church pieces. A few things to keep in mind:

• Tabletop scales suit a mantel, sideboard or entry table, and are the easiest way to start a collection.
• The 18-inch and 27-inch scales make a striking centerpiece for a living room, foyer or church sanctuary without overwhelming the space.
• The larger 34-inch and 50-inch scales are true statement pieces, usually chosen by churches, chapels and other large indoor spaces.

Whatever scale you choose, stick with it as you add pieces. Figures from different scales look out of proportion when they are displayed together.

Indoors or Outdoors?

This is the most common question we hear. Fontanini figures are made for indoor display, and the manufacturer does not recommend placing them outdoors. Sun, rain and freezing temperatures can damage the finish over time. If you love the look but want a scene for the front yard or the church lawn, choose a set built for the weather. Our outdoor Nativity sets are designed for exactly that.

Caring for Your Figures

• Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or cloth. Avoid household cleaners and solvents.
• Keep figures out of strong direct sunlight to protect the paint.
• Store pieces in their original boxes or wrapped in soft tissue in a cool, dry place after the season.
• Lift larger figures from the base, never by an arm, staff or other thin part.

Cared for this way, a Fontanini Nativity can stay in a family for generations, which is exactly what it was made for.

Explore the Collection

Browse our indoor Nativity sets, including the Fontanini Kneeling Angel in 18-inch scale. To learn more about the long tradition behind Nativity art, read our article on the art of the Nativity.