Fontanini Nativity Figures for Christmas Manger Sets and Creche Scenes

Fontanini nativity or creche scene figures are a range of cast resin figures, scenery and backdrops widely available throughout the world. Marketed in North America as the "Fontanini Heirloom Nativity Collection" distributed by Roman Inc., the figures come in several scales as open stock or collections on various scene settings. The 5 inch and 7.5 inch size ranges currently have the widest number of accessories and village figures and buildings. Figures are cast resin, often with noticeable mold lines and a finish designed to emulate aged wood which gives most figures a yellowish cast.

Fontanini nativity figures are a range of open stock cast resin injection molded figures widely available in North America as the "Fontanini Heirloom Nativity Collection" distributed by Roman Inc. since 1973. In North America the figures have been sold since 1990 in boxes with names identifying the figures, and sometimes accompanied by story cards. Some of the Roman Inc. Fontanini figures are exclusively produced in limited editions, others are sold in basic nativity sets. In other parts of the world, the figures are sold by style, or by the number issued to the figure by the Fontanini company (the figure number is usually found on the underside of the figure base). They are most often available through religious or Christmas ornament suppliers. Older figures are sold online, but prices (and collectivity) vary widely. There are a very large range of mainly Asian produced copies, and as the figures are resin, they can be 're-made' or modified so buyers should beware.

Trademarks The current trademark is the Fontanini fountain, next to the figure number on the underside of the figure base, figures are also marked with the trademark Fontanini and a date, and also with the copyright symbol and DEP Italy for "Depositato Italy" the Italian registry mark. Earlier pieces may be marked with the 'spidermark' used by Fontanini, which is a stylized spider with a diamond shaped center.

Sizes / Scales Available The figures are sold in sizes based on the height of the standing Joseph figure in the series. They are not to any particular size or scale, and some figures and animals can seem slightly odd sizes, even within a single range. Currently (2010) there are Fontanini figures available from 3.5 to 72 inches in height. The 5 inch size is the most often collected for larger scenes as this range is available with the most figures, buildings and accessories. Five inch figures are roughly 1:16 scale (3/4 scale, where 3/4 inch equals one foot). Older figures are still available in a 2.5 inch range, which was roughly equivalent to 1:32 scale, the same scale as many older toy soldiers and Britain's model farm figures.

Current size ranges available include: 3.5 in. (introduced in 2010), 5 inch, 7.5 inch (these three ranges have the widest number of supporting figures available) 12 inch, 18/20 inch, 27 inch, 50 inch and 70 inch figures are also available, mainly in basic creche figures. The price of individual 3.5 and 5 inch figures ranged from $10 - $30, while the 70 inch figures are several thousands of dollars each.

History Fontanini (The House of Fontanini) was founded in 1908 in Bagni di Lucca, Italy by Emanuele Fontanini. Originally the family created traditional papier mache nativity figures, but changed to pvc and resin in the 1960's. The House of Fontanini is still a family business run by five members: Emanuele, Stefano, Marco, Luca, and Allessandro. All figures are produced and painted in Bagni di Lucca. The history, manufacturing and hand painting process are outlined in an English / Italian brochure in pdf format produced for the company's 100th anniversary in 2008. The brochure can be sometimes be found on the on the Fontanini website

Note: with changes to google translate the English version of the Fontanini website is currently not available.

Note: Fontanini operate two companies, one manufactures the nativity figures, the other specializes in angels and cherubs. In the past the company has also produced other traditional figures outside the religious range.