1978 Santa, Holiday Highlights, Rare
1978 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
QX3076
This 1978 Hallmark Christmas Ornament is an acrylic disc with beveled edge and features a sunken relief of Santa Claus' head carved into the back, with a full, curly beard and holly at the tip of his hat. The intaglio technique is opposite that of a cameo, which has a raised, outward-protruding design, so when it's viewed from the front, you look through the smooth, clear material and see a detailed, three-dimensional image floating inside. The ornament is packaged in the original window box, and encased in a molded, clear plastic shell, so you can see both the front and back of the ornament.
Don Palmiter, the artist, began his career with Hallmark in 1967, right out of high school, and became part of the Keepsake division in 1987, before retiring in 2023. His lifelong passion for cars and popular car-themed ornaments earned him a nickname: "The Car Guy."
Fun Fact: Intaglio sunken relief art was widely used for signet rings and wax seals, as the sunken carving makes a raised, positive impression.
Material: Plastic and metal (eyelet)
