Figurine of a boy lying on his scooter - Sibania

A porcelain figurine depicting a boy lying with his legs resting on the wheel of a red vespa. He wears a yellow shirt with the inscription “Sweet sweet life,” a muddy jacket, and a pair of jeans, and is always in the company of his best friends, Gegè and Ninina.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of the craftsmanship of each piece and the technique used, which is unrivaled and difficult to imitate. These items are entirely modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in the province of 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 sometimes handcrafted. Faces, clothing, and accessories are painted with non-toxic colors on the “biscuit” terracotta; the piece is finally subjected to further firing called “third fire.” Any additional details, such as violin strings or stand supports, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The finest quality porcelain combined with hand craftsmanship and classic designs embodies the essence of Sibania. It’s a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade was a valued commodity. Beautiful porcelain dolls are their hallmark, recognized worldwide. Sibania is an Italian company based in Vicenza. Italian craftsmanship and the tradition of artisan workshops are 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 craftsmanship of the so-called Capodimonte porcelain, 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 handcrafted techniques and Italian craftsmanship as benchmarks.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with precise material research, and one of their goals is continuous product innovation with respect for human health: that is, using only non-toxic materials free from lead, cadmium, and other hazardous compounds. After 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 its own biscuit component models for the most important artisan workshops and porcelain doll companies in Italy. In 1998, the company began producing figurines, small sculptures mainly depicting children. On one hand, constantly remembering the productive finishing and decorating techniques learned during Capodimonte experiences, and on the other, introducing new stylistic and technical methods. The unique and specific techniques used by Sibania, as well as the widespread use of manual skills, allow us to say that their works are truly one of a kind.

These stylish figurines aim to represent the world, the world of childhood—full of emotions and capable of 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 company’s work expresses a distinctive and modern style. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally very meaningful gifts.