Kneeling King Figurine Appraisal

Vintage Miniature Composition Nativity Figurines (King and Shepherd)

A pair of vintage miniature nativity set figurines, approximately 2 to 3 inches in height, depicting a Wise Man (King) holding a chest and a Shepherd carrying a sheep. These figures are likely constructed from papier-mâché or a similar composition material, which was common for European-made nativity sets (often from Germany or Italy) mid-20th century, typically between the 1930s and 1950s. The King is adorned in a red and blue robe with a gold-colored crown, while the Shepherd features more muted earth tones with a white lamb draped over his shoulders. Both figures stand on integrated green circular bases. The craftsmanship displays hand-painted details that, while charming, show significant signs of aged wear including visible paint loss, chipping on the edges of the bases, and a general dulling of the original pigments. Specifically, the King has notable paint loss on his chest and face, while the Shepherd shows scuffing on his legs and the sheep's wool. The texture is slightly granular, suggesting a molded composite rather than carved wood or plastic. These items characterize a traditional folk-art style prevalent in holiday decor from the post-war era.