The Woman at the Well
It’s very likely, Woman at the Well was the final design completed by Janice Simpich—a fitting culmination of 54 years of creating Simpich Character Dolls. That alone makes her a remarkable part of the Simpich story.
But this piece carries a second kind of significance. She was conceived as one of the final two additions to the Nativity, bringing a woman shepherd into the scene. At the same time, she quietly echoes a later moment in Christ’s life: the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well—a story of dignity, invitation, and grace.
“19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
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The story behind Woman at the Well likely began the same way many iconic Simpich designs did: in a department meeting, with ideas being shaped into something timeless. Janice and Robert felt the Nativity could use another woman in the scene, and Jan seized the opportunity to bring to life a figure from later in Jesus’s ministry—the Samaritan woman at the well.
Introduced in 2005, just before the Doll Shop’s eventual closure was announced, this piece had only a short window in production. So even though Woman at the Well was not a special edition, it has become one of the rarest Simpich Character Dolls ever released. No official production totals were recorded, but based on our best estimates, only 200–400were ever made. Since we reopened the Consignment Service we have been able to locate two examples which you can see below.
Nativity Collection | Designed by Jan Simpich | Limited Production | Heirloom Condition
Quiet, reverent, and deeply human, The Woman at the Well is one of the most contemplative figures in the Simpich Nativity Collection. Designed by Jan Simpich, this piece captures a moment of everyday devotion—an ordinary task rendered extraordinary through compassion, humility, and grace.
Clad in softly textured earth-toned garments, the figure is defined by her gentle posture and understated elegance. A gauze-like veil drapes naturally over her shoulders, framing a serene, introspective expression that feels both timeless and intimate. Cradled in her arm is a simple water vessel, a powerful symbol of sustenance, service, and life itself—central themes woven throughout Jan’s Nativity designs.
What makes The Woman at the Well especially compelling is its quiet realism. Rather than depicting a grand or celestial presence, Jan chose to honor the sacredness found in daily life. The careful sculpting of the hands, the subtle movement suggested in her stance, and the warm, hand-painted tones of her face all reflect the thoughtful restraint that defined Jan’s later work.
This piece was produced in limited numbers and is increasingly difficult to find, particularly in this level of preservation. Offered here in Heirloom Condition, it has been carefully maintained and remains a beautiful example of the craftsmanship and reverence that defined the Simpich workshop.
A meaningful addition to any Nativity display, The Woman at the Well brings depth, humanity, and quiet storytelling—reminding us that the heart of the Nativity is found not only in angels and kings, but in the lives of ordinary people touched by something extraordinary.
Nativity Collection | Signed and Designed by Jan Simpich | Fewer than 1,000 Ever Produced | Heirloom Condition
Among the rarest and most sought-after figures in the Simpich Nativity, the Tree Top Angel stands as a masterpiece of both design and devotion. Created and signed by Jan Simpich, this radiant figure was produced in extremely limited numbers — fewer than one thousand — making it one of the rarest Simpich Character Dolls ever crafted.
The Tree Top Angel was envisioned by Jan as the crowning presence over the Nativity Scene, a symbol of light and peace rendered with her signature blend of elegance and realism. Her flowing ivory gown, ethereal blue ribbon, and delicately sculpted wings reflect Jan’s artistic sensibility at its most refined — a design she regarded as one of her personal favorites.
Each detail of this piece embodies the reverence and craftsmanship that defined the Simpich workshop: the hand-painted serenity of her face, the careful drape of her garments, and the timeless warmth of her expression. The Tree Top Angel not only completes the Nativity but elevates it — a reminder of both the beauty and meaning at the heart of every Simpich creation.
This particular piece is presented in Heirloom Condition, having been lovingly preserved by the Simpich Family. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most meaningful figures ever produced in the Nativity Collection.
As a final tidbit of history about the Woman at the Well, enjoy this little feature David Simpich made about the Woman at the Well back in 2021, you can see her featured in this video about the piece created in the Simpich Heritage Center (2009-2022)
