Show all images on one page	#002071 Sale! Title: Bethlehem Star Artist: Listunov Oleg Size: 18.5x8.5x8.5 Size (inches): 7.25x3.25x3.25 Price: $110 $75

This gorgeous set of nesting dolls has been created in the ancient Russian town of Sergiev Posad by the talented master Listunov Oleg. The work is based on the religious theme, and includes five wooden dolls.
The first and the biggest doll portrays a famous biblical subject of Jesus Christ's nativity. The Bethlehem Star shines brightly indicating the place where the God-Child Christ was born. Both ordinary people, angels, and saints are gathered to bow him. Golden rays of the star fall on the wooden cradle with the child born by divine intervention, and his mother, Virgin Mary. It is an incomprehensible miracle that was documented in the Gospel of Luke, Matthew, and a series of prophecies of the Messiah from the Old Testament. Each of the rest four dolls feature only Jesus Christ.
To produce this work Listunov has applied the unique technique of poker-work. It has been done so skillfully that it is hard to believe that the texture of hair, face complexion, and different materials are not painted but burnt out with the help of a special device. The backside of each doll is covered with light brown paints that tone perfectly with the color of burnt wood. The brilliance of halos above the heads of the saints, the star and its rays is created with the help of gold metal leaf. Gold metal leaf is also used to create the gold cross that can be found on the backside of the first and the biggest doll. A thing band of gold metal leaf also frames each scene.