Our unique miniature Nativity scene
Nativity scene in the shell of a walnut, created in Ortwin Thyssen Jewellery Maker's workshop.
Above: In this centre part of the scene Mary wrapped up warm in a thick blanket kneeling before the baby Jesus, who looks at his mother. Joseph is leaning over to carefully touch the newly born baby.
Above: The shepherd leaning on his staff and his sheep are keeping in the background.
Above: The shepherd's child has taken its flute to give the scene some festive air while the angel is watching and blessing the new family.
Above: On this side the three wise men arrive from Europe, Asia and Africa to worship the child. Each of them is carrying his special gift of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
This unique and magnificnet miniature Nativity scene in the shell of a walnut has been created in the Ortwin Thyssen Jewellery Maker workshop.
During November (22nd onwards) and December we display the walnut with the precious content in the shop window of Ortwin Thyssen Jewellery Maker at 53 Palace Street, The Kings Mile, Canterbury.
Above: The Ortwin Thyssen Jewellery Maker unique Nativity scene. Visit us in Palace Street, Canterbury to view this magnificent little treasure.
It is a dream-project I wanted to do since I found the unusual three-parted nut 9 years ago. It was a very enjoyable and intense process creating and fitting all the figures into the scene. When the nutshell is closed it becomes like a jigsaw puzzle inside. A nativity is nothing without a shepherd's child so we have had to make space for both him and his flute.
To create this very special and precious masterpiece took about 160 hours. All together it includes 11 figures (including two sheep), all are not cast but minutely forged and carved from 18 karat Gold and Platinum. A few diamonds are added to the star and the babies halo. The bigger figures are just over 10 Millimeter and Baby Jesus is just 6 Millimeter long (plus halo).
The nut closes by a turning mechanism. Once closed only the little diamond set star gives away the wonderful secret hidden inside the shell.
Anybody on their way to the crib at Canterbury Cathedral should not miss to take a stroll around the corner into Palace Street to see this magnificent little treasure.
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