This fine display contains a color scene of the famous "Three Wise Men" paying tribute to the infant Christ in the classic Western-Christian scene from the Gospel of Matthew in the Holy Bible. This story has different tellings across various cultures over the past centuries dating back to the time of Jesus in the Western Christian tradition. Ancient Zoroastrians, Babylonians, Persians, Jewish, and other traditions told a similar stories with varying details while adhering to the overall theme of tribute to the divine and a connection or descent from the Magi. This is an ideal gift for the holidays or for collectors of Western and Middle Eastern religious/cultural traditions.
The display has a medieval artwork print showing the Three Wise Men (Magi Kings) paying tribute to the Christ child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A cut-out in the scene holds genuine samples of frankincense, myrrh, and gold (18k leaf) from distant lands. Shown in the heavens above is the Star of Bethlehem and a comet that is inlaid with a tiny piece of a real shooting star (meteorite). The small samples will vary in appearance slightly as each piece is unique. A handsome black, pebblegrain finish and glass lid enclose the scene in a box that measures approx. 3 x 4 inches (75mm x 100mm).
Refer to the photo. The black centimeter cube and 50-cent coin are shown for size comparison and are not included.
Translated below is a modern telling of the Christian tradition of the Three Wise Men from the Book of Matthew (2, 1-12) :
In the time of King Herod after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another path.
