Figurine of a boy playing the saxophone - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of a young saxophonist, which seems to come straight from the streets of New Orleans. He is dressed in a grey and white checkered shirt under a brick-red vest, with brown and white plaid boxers and a hat. Sitting on a red balustrade, he holds his saxophone just like his brother. Together with his brother, he is one of the founders of the Sweet Swing Band, the official jazz band of Sibania.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of craftsmanship of each piece and 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 printed with 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 the “third fire.” Additional details, such as violin strings or stands, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality material in the form of porcelain combined with hand craftsmanship and original designs gives Sibania its signature. It is 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 workshop traditions form the basis of ongoing research into materials and production techniques of the brand.

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 quality and Italian craftsmanship as a reference point.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with detailed research into materials, and one of their goals is continuous product innovation with respect for human health: using only non-toxic, lead-free, cadmium-free, and other hazardous substances. 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 proprietary 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, they continuously draw on the 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 one of a kind.

These romantic figurines aim to represent the world— the world of childhood, full of emotions and capable of evoking feelings in those who experience it; believing that the purity of porcelain makes it the most suitable material for artistic portrayals of childhood innocence and purity. To realize these sculptures, traditional techniques serve as a starting point for a more innovative and contemporary presentation, reflecting the current and modern expressive style of the company’s work. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally very meaningful gifts.