Figurine of a lady from the 18th century made of porcelain - Sibania

A porcelain figurine of an 18th-century Venetian lady sitting on the ground. She is dressed in a dove-gray gown with floral embroidery, a white lace on the bodice, and a white tulle insert on the skirt and sleeves. The sleeves of the dress have a very light shade of red. Her powdered hair is styled in soft curls on her shoulder, decorated with a white bow. She holds a blue fan with lace edges painted in various colors.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of the craftsmanship of each piece and the technique used, which is unparalleled and difficult to imitate. These items are entirely modeled and hand-painted in our workshop 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 torso. The hairstyles are also sometimes handcrafted. 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 supports, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality porcelain combined with hand craftsmanship and original designs embodies the essence of Sibania. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade was a valued commodity. The exquisite porcelain dolls they create are their hallmark, 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 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 preserving handcrafted techniques and Italian craftsmanship as a reference point.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of craftsmanship, 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 major 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 remember the productive finishing and decorating techniques learned during Capodimonte; 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 exceptional 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 more innovative and contemporary representations, 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.