

Our Vierge d'accoucheée (Virgin in childbirth) earthenware statuette with St-Omer hand painted decoration represents a crowned Virgin Mary carrying the infant Jesus in her arms, patron saint and protector of women in childbirth.
It has a hollow crown to hold a candle and a hole at the bottom to allow a small amount of holy water to be poured into the statuette. They were a common object in rural homes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Traditionally the candle was lit when a pregnant woman experienced her first contractions. This was a sign that labour was beginning. The statuette was then placed on the bedside table of the mother-to-be, the candle would burn until the end of the birth. Family members, gathered in the living room, would pray for a healthy birth for both mother and baby.
- Handmade in Malicorne sur Sarthe, France
- Uniquely handcrafted by skilled craftsmen using Bourg-Joly’s centuries-old techniques.
- Quality product. The handmade nature means that each one of our statues is unique.
- Dimensions: R2173 : H28cm
CARE : Clean with care by hand with a damp cloth.
- Material: Earthenware Clay and food safe white or coloured glaze
- Dishwasher: Yes, with care (see below)
- Microwave: No
- Delivery: France and International shipping
- Packaged in a beautiful velvet drawstring bag
Earthenware plates, dishes & bowls: Clean by hand and gently wipe with a cloth. In the dishwasher, avoid hot programs and ensure that the plates do not touch each other.
For earthenware baskets: wash by hand and gently wipe with a cloth.
For earthenware vases, planters, fruit, animals, crosses, statues: wash by hand and gently wipe with a cloth.
Sizes
All our pieces are entirely handmade and therefore the dimensions shown can vary very slightly.
Hand painted personalisation option
A hand painted message of up to 5 words (thank you, important date, name of a person, etc.) in black can be added to most pieces. Please contact us for more details.