Folding Cards

This division is about Folding Cards representing a Nativity scene, known in German as Faltkrippen. They were made from paper and light cardboard and could be unfolded to get a threedimensional effect. They were very popular since the middle of 19th century because such items could be produced with a relatively small amount of work and material, were sold cheap, took few space in folded state throughout the year, and were set up fast and easily for Christmas.

When unfolded these cardboard scenes will get the desired spatial impression. Up to five backdrops or more are arranged one after another, giving a depth effect like on a stage.

More valuable items have gotten embossed surfaces to enhance the spatial impression, aswell as colorful, transparent windows to get a more romantic ambience when lit by candles. Applied mica and Venetian dew provide, on the one hand, a whiff of preciousness, on the other a realistic winterly ice and snow effect.