Wise Man in Purple Coat Rochard Limoges Box

One of the three wise men arrives at the manger in a rich purple coat, carrying his gift for the newborn king. Rochard made him as a hand-painted porcelain Limoges box in Limoges, France.

Following the Star

The Magi traveled far guided by a single star, and they appear in every nativity at the edge of the scene with their offerings. Purple has long been the color of royalty, which suits a king from the East. The robe and the gift are painted by hand, so each figure varies a little in shade.

Epiphany at the Creche

Many families move the wise men a little closer to the manger each day of the Christmas season, and set them in place on Epiphany, January 6. This piece suits that tradition well, either on its own or with a full nativity. It also makes a meaningful present for a priest, a Sunday school teacher, a choir member or someone named Caspar, Melchior or Balthazar.

Kings of the Orient

• A Rochard piece, hand-painted in Limoges, France
• Joins the Rochard nativity, stable and angel subjects
• Fits a nativity, Epiphany or faith collection

Small porcelain boxes were popular in eighteenth-century France for snuff, pills and beauty patches, long before they held Christmas subjects.