The Turtle Dove is 4½ inches tall and 3¼ inches across. The Cloisonne Turtle Dove is ivory colored with gold accents, light green holly leaves with clusters of small red plastic jewels for berries. Select this link to view our Nativity Ornaments.
Cloisonne.
Cloisonné first developed in the Near East. It spread to the Byzantine Empire and from there along the Silk Road to China. Chinese cloisonné is probably the most well known. Russian cloisonné from the Tsarist era is highly prized by collectors. Chinese cloisonné is sometimes confused with Canton enamel, a similar type of enamel work that is painted on freehand and does not utilize partitions to hold the colors separate. Select this link to view our Bethlehem Star Ornament.
The Star.
The star symbolizes the star that appeared, quite miraculously, in the eastern sky on the birth of Jesus Christ. The star is believed to have guided shepherds and the magi, who were the three wise men from the East, to the newborn king. Select this link to view our Cloisonne Holy Family.
One wonders whether the star that shined that night was any different from those of today. The star was indeed a strange star and people continue to believe that a miracle occurred at the birth of Christ. Select this link to view our Nativity Ornaments.
The Dove.
In the Biblical account of Noah, a dove was released to find land after the flood waters had subsided. After some time it came back carrying an olive branch in its beak, telling Noah that, somewhere, there was land. Since then Doves have come to symbolize Peace. Select this link to view our Nativity Christmas Ornaments.
The Dove is also a messenger of Love. Slavic legend states that upon dying, the soul is transformed into a Dove which wings its way into the heavens. In Hinduism the Dove is an emblem of spirit, and the infinite capacity the spirit has for love. In the West Doves and turtledoves, symbolize love and are frequently seen being released during wedding ceremonies. Select this link to view our Christmas Jewelry.