Figurine of a woman in a pleated dress with a lace petticoat - Sibania

The porcelain figurine depicts a woman in an elegant pleated dress with a lace slip and a soft white tulle shawl. She has very short, tousled black hair swept to the side. Sitting with her legs crossed, her ankles pressed together and slightly pulled to the side, with her hands resting on them.

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 makes imitation difficult. These objects are entirely modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in the province of 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. 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 further firing called “third fire.” Additional details, such as violin strings or stand supports, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality raw material in the form of porcelain, combined with manual work and unique designs, defines the Sibania brand. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade was a valued commodity. Beautiful porcelain dolls are their signature, 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 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 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 techniques and Italian craftsmanship as benchmarks.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with precise material research, and one of their goals is continuous innovation in production with respect for human health: using only non-toxic materials free from lead, cadmium, and other hazardous compounds. Based on 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 molds for the most important artisan workshops and porcelain doll manufacturers in Italy. In 1998, the company began producing figurines, small sculptures mainly depicting children. On one hand, they continuously draw on the productive 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, along with the widespread use of 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 capable of 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. To realize these sculptures, traditional techniques serve as a starting point 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 power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally especially valuable gifts.