1979 Black Angel
1979 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament
QX2079
This 1979 Hallmark Christmas Ornament is part of the Tree-Trimmer Collection and features a golden glass ball, with metal cap and transparent plastic sleeve, printed with an African American angel, dressed in a white robe with red sash. Her deep expression evokes strong emotions to match the ethereal imagery, as she's flying through the clouds with translucent wings, exuding grace and peace. The unique, dream-like representation was less common for holiday decorations during this era, making it a significant and inclusive addition to any collection. The ornament reads "Merry Christmas 1979," in white, on the bottom, and the copyright is also dated, in between the panels, printed on the sleeve. It's packaged in the original "window" box, viewable from all sides, so you can see the entire bulb.
Disclaimer: As with many older glass ball ornaments, it may have developed "age spots," which is normal with older ornaments.
Thomas Blackshear worked for Hallmark in Kansas City for a year, after graduating from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He became a freelance illustrator in 1982 and clients included: Disney, George Lucas Studios, Universal Studios, International Wildlife and National Geographic Magazine. Thomas taught at San Francisco Academy of Art and did workshops in Sweden. He's illustrated 30 United States postage stamps and 4 collectorÂ’s plate series: Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, Star Trek, and Star Trek The Next Generation, and is best known for Christian prints and "Ebony Visions," the number one selling black figurine collectible in the United States.
Material: Glass, metal, and plastic
