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 unmatched and difficult to imitate. These items are entirely 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 statue’s body. Hairdos 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 handwork and classic designs epitomizes Sibania’s brand. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade items were highly valued. Beautiful porcelain dolls are their hallmark, recognized worldwide. Sibania is an Italian company based in Vicenza. Italian craftsmanship and the tradition of artisan workshops 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 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 handmade craftsmanship and Italian artisanry as benchmarks.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with precise research into materials, 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 field of porcelain doll production. Indeed, since the 1980s, production has been based on proprietary biscuit component molds 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, continuously 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 evoking feelings in those who encounter them; believing that the purity of porcelain makes it the most suitable material for artistically portraying childhood innocence and purity. For creating these sculptures, traditional techniques serve as a starting point for a more innovative and contemporary representation, as the company’s current and modern expression is particularly distinctive. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally very meaningful gifts as well.