Panorama (Publisher, Prague)
Kubasta Stained Glass Nativity Card (Pop-Up Greeting Card)
Kubasta, Vojtech (illustrator)
Prague: Panorama, [n.d., ca. 1960s].
Die-cut pop-up Christmas card with intricate stained glass-style imagery, silver foil highlights, and central pop-up scene. Printed in color on stiff card stock, folding to approximately 5 x 7 inches. Text in Czech: “Št’astné prožití svátků vánočnich a veselý Nový rok” (“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”).
An unusually elaborate and rare holiday card designed by Czech master illustrator and paper engineer Vojtech Kubasta. The three Magi are shown offering traditional symbolic gifts: an orb, an anchor, and a flaming heart. The imagery is framed by a silver-foil arch that mimics the tracery of stained glass windows. The card stands upright when opened, forming a dramatic three-dimensional scene with striking use of light, shadow, and symbolism.
Condition: A near-fine example. Pop-up stands cleanly and the card retains its original silver foil and brilliant color. No writing or damage. Please see photos.
Collector’s Corner:
This rare Kubasta pop-up greeting card is one of the least commonly seen examples of his work in miniature format. We have only encountered this specific design once elsewhere—in a version held by Kubasta’s daughter, Dagmar, and featured on the respected collector blog Crèchemania.
Reference:
Crèchemania, “Vojtech Kubasta’s Stained Glass Nativity,” archived at https://www.crechemania.com/nativities/popup/kubasta-stained-glass-nativity.html (accessed July 2025).