Seated Donkey – Fontanini® 18" Collection

Brand: House of Fontanini | Item #53733

Bring the humble beauty of the Bethlehem stable to life with the Seated Donkey #53733 from the Fontanini® 18" Collection. Resting peacefully near the Holy Family, this wonderfully detailed Nativity animal adds warmth, authenticity, and visual balance to a large-scale Fontanini Italian Nativity.

Designed specifically for an 18" scale Nativity, this substantial Seated Donkey is crafted from durable polymer and features the expressive sculpting and hand-finished character that have made Fontanini figures treasured by generations of collectors. Product listings for #53733 confirm it as the 18" Scale Seated Donkey, made of polymer.

A Peaceful Companion at the Manger

Animals are an important part of creating the atmosphere of the humble stable at Bethlehem. With its legs folded beneath its body and head gently raised, the Seated Donkey brings a quiet, peaceful presence to the scene.

The sculpture captures details throughout the animal—from its attentive upright ears and expressive face to the textured coat, mane, hooves, folded legs, and natural resting posture. Its earthy coloring complements the warm tones of the manger, stable, and other Fontanini animals, helping create a cohesive Nativity display.

Position the donkey near Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, or pair it with the coordinating Seated Ox #53734 to beautifully frame the Holy Family.

Complete Your Fontanini 18" Nativity

The larger Fontanini 18" Collection gives churches, parishes, institutions, and serious collectors the opportunity to create a Nativity with remarkable presence.

Because every character contributes something different to the scene, adding animals such as the Seated Donkey helps transform a simple Holy Family grouping into a richly layered representation of Bethlehem. It is an ideal addition for anyone expanding an existing 18" collection or assembling a complete large-scale Nativity one piece at a time.

Its durable polymer construction is especially practical for larger seasonal displays. Fontanini explains that the polymer used for many of its figures was specifically developed for plasticity—allowing the molded figure to retain the details of the original sculpture—while also providing resistance to accidental scratches and cracks.

Over a Century of Italian Nativity Tradition

The story behind Fontanini is nearly as special as the pieces themselves.

Fontanini was established in 1908 in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, drawing upon the historic tradition of the figurine makers of the Lucca region. Today, that tradition spans more than four generations. Fontanini describes its figures as carefully modeled with particular attention to expressions, poses, movement, and fine details.

The traditional production process involves four principal stages: sculpting, creating the mold, molding, and painting. After molding, figures are decorated by artisans, with the painting performed by hand.

Fontanini also states that its figurines are fully made in Italy and individually hand-painted, continuing a tradition of Nativity craftsmanship that has endured for more than a century.

Beautiful for Church, Parish & Home Nativity Displays

The Seated Donkey #53733 is particularly well suited for larger displays where scale and visibility matter. It makes a meaningful addition to church sanctuaries and narthexes, parish and chapel Nativities, religious schools and institutions, large residential Christmas displays, and heirloom Fontanini collections.

With its relaxed horizontal pose, the donkey also provides an attractive visual contrast to the taller standing figures of the 18" Collection, helping create depth around the manger.

Shop Fontanini at House of Fontanini

When you shop Fontanini at House of Fontanini, you're shopping with people who genuinely appreciate these remarkable Nativity pieces and the story they were created to tell.

For more than 25 years, House of Fontanini has proudly served collectors, families, churches, and parishes from our Minnesota warehouse. We don't simply sell Fontanini—we love the artistry, heritage, and Christmas tradition behind it.

Our mission says it best:

“Telling His Story, one piece at a time.”

Add the Seated Donkey #53733 to your Fontanini Italian Nativity and bring another beautiful detail of the Bethlehem stable into a Christmas tradition your family or congregation can enjoy for generations.

Product Details

• Product: Seated Donkey Figure
• Fontanini Item #: 53733
• UPC: 089945221060
• Collection: Fontanini® 18" Collection
• Scale: 18" Nativity Scale
• Material: Durable Polymer
• Pose: Seated / Resting Donkey
• Finish: Hand-painted
• Made in: Italy
• Packaging: Boxed
• Coordinates With: Seated Ox #53734, Holy Family and other Fontanini 18" Collection figures
• Ideal For: Churches, parishes, chapels, religious institutions, large home Nativities and heirloom collections

Masterpiece Collection Availability

Please note that larger Fontanini Masterpiece Collection pieces, ranging from approximately 18" to 70", are typically stocked when available. Because of their size, intricate craftsmanship, and higher cost, however, some pieces may be available on a special-order basis.

For pieces that must be ordered from the workshop in Tuscany, please allow up to 120 days for delivery.

To check current availability of Seated Donkey #53733, please contact our Parish Sales Department at 507-469-9659 or email House of Fontanini. We will gladly check for you!