Figurine of a boy in a mask - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of small Pulcinella, masks from the Italian Commedia dell'arte associated with Naples. Kneeling, holding a Neapolitan red lucky horn in his hand. He wears a iconic, loose white blouse and wide white trousers, along with a soft hat whose tip rests on his head. He also wears his traditional black mask with a hooked nose, covering the upper part of his face. He sticks out his tongue and seems to be trying to convince us how well his lucky horn protects him from misfortune.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in the craftsmanship of each piece and in the technique used, which is unparalleled and makes imitation difficult. These items are fully modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in Vicenza (Italy). The clothing consists of thin porcelain sheets with printed textures. These sheets are cut according to the dress pattern and then patiently applied to the sculpture’s body. Hairstyles are also occasionally crafted by hand. On the “biscuit” terracotta faces, clothing, and accessories are painted with non-toxic colors; the piece is finally subjected to further firing called “third fire.” Any additional details, such as violin strings or stand bases, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality porcelain combined with hand craftsmanship and distinctive designs is the hallmark of Sibania. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade products were highly valued. Delicate porcelain dolls are their signature, recognized worldwide. Sibania is an Italian company based in Vicenza. Italian craftsmanship and workshop traditions form the foundation of the brand’s ongoing research into materials and production techniques.

From porcelain paste to production, the entire process is developed entirely in workshops in Isola Vicentina, where skilled artisans, designers, and painters meticulously refine each figurine and give each face its own expression. Inspired by the stylistic and technical features of traditional porcelain craftsmanship known as Capodimonte, Sibania has been producing porcelain since 1980. Building on this tradition, characterized by exceptional manual skills, the company strives to introduce continuous innovations while maintaining handmade techniques and Italian craftsmanship as benchmarks.

The brand places great importance on the evolving tradition of craftsmanship, with precise research into materials, and one of their goals is continuous product innovation with respect for human health: using only non-toxic materials free from lead, cadmium, and other hazardous compounds. Based on experience with Capodimonte porcelain, it can be proudly stated that since the mid-1980s, Sibania has been a leading company in the production of porcelain dolls. Indeed, since the 1980s, production has been based on proprietary biscuit component models for major workshops and companies manufacturing porcelain dolls in Italy. In 1998, the company began producing figurines, small sculptures mainly depicting children. On one hand, they continuously remember the productive finishing and decorating techniques learned during Capodimonte experiences, and on the other, they introduce new stylistic and technical methods. The unique and specific techniques used by Sibania, as well as the widespread use of manual skills, make their works truly unique.

These stylish figurines aim to represent the world, the world of childhood, full of emotions and evoking feelings in those who encounter them; believing that the purity of porcelain makes it the most suitable material for artistically depicting childhood innocence and purity. For creating these sculptures, traditional techniques serve as a starting point for a more innovative and contemporary presentation, as the current and modern expression of the company’s work is very distinctive. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally very meaningful gifts.