Figurine of a woman holding a child - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of a mother holding her child in her arms. The mother is dressed in a simple gray patterned white dress. She is lying on the ground, supported on her elbow so that the child can rest against her arm. Instead of the black wooden platform shown in the photo, this figurine is placed on a marble porcelain base in shades of beige, white, and salmon.

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

The highest quality porcelain material combined with manual craftsmanship and classic designs makes Sibania a brand synonym. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade products were highly valued. The exquisite porcelain dolls they create are their signature, 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 manufacturing, 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 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 maintaining handmade techniques and Italian craftsmanship as benchmarks.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with detailed research into materials. One of their goals is continuous product innovation with a focus on human health: using only non-toxic, lead-free, cadmium-free, and other hazardous substances. Based on experience with Capodimonte porcelain, it can be proudly said 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 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, they continuously draw on the finishing and decorative techniques learned during Capodimonte experiences, and on the other, they introduce new stylistic and technical methods. The unique and specific techniques used by Sibania, along with 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 a more innovative and contemporary representation, as the current and modern expression of the company’s work is particularly distinctive. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally valuable gifts as well.