Figurine of a teacher with a dance student - Sibania

Porcelain figurine depicting dance classes. The teacher / mother is teaching her student / daughter a new pas de deux. Both are wearing simple short dresses, in light blue and salmon, painted with a special technique that highlights the whiteness of the porcelain underneath. This effect is achieved by moving the color around with a rubber stick to mimic long streaks on fresh paint. Their hair is styled in a delicate yet hypnotic manner. The young ballerina rests her arms on the teacher’s arms, following her instructions and her fluid movements. She also gently leans on her to maintain balance.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique in both craftsmanship and the technique used, which is unparalleled and difficult to imitate. These objects are fully 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 statue’s torso. 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 a further firing called the “third fire”. Any additional details, such as violin strings or stand supports, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

High-quality porcelain combined with hand craftsmanship and distinctive designs is the hallmark of Sibania. It is a tribute to true artisanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade items were highly valued. Beautiful porcelain dolls are their signature, recognized worldwide. Sibania is an Italian company based in Vicenza. Italian craftsmanship and workshop tradition 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, such as 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 benchmarks.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of craftsmanship, with precise material research, and aims for continuous product innovation with a focus on 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, continuously applying the finishing and decoration techniques learned from Capodimonte; on the other, introducing new stylistic and technical methods. The unique and specific techniques used by Sibania, along with their widespread manual skills, make their works truly one-of-a-kind.

These beautiful figurines aim to represent the world — the world of childhood, full of emotions and evoking feelings in those who come into contact with it; believing that the purity of porcelain makes it the most suitable material for artistically depicting childhood innocence and purity. Traditional techniques serve as a starting point for creating these sculptures, allowing for a more innovative and contemporary presentation, as the current and modern expression of the company's work is particularly distinctive. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive nature can easily convey care or a message, making them occasionally especially meaningful gifts. Manufacturer information