Handmade figurine of a water nymph - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of a naiad, water nymph. She wears a light, white tulle dress that resembles sea foam. Sitting sideways on a turquoise wave. Her hair is braided into a short plait. She holds a shell, symbolizing her marine nature.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of the craftsmanship of each piece and the unparalleled technique used, which makes imitation difficult. These items are fully modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in Vicenza (Italy). The garments are thin porcelain sheets with printed textures. These sheets are cut according to the dress pattern and then patiently applied to the statue’s body. Hairdos 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 “third fire.” Additional details, such as violin strings or stand bases, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality porcelain combined with handwork and original designs is the signature of Sibania. 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 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 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 preserving handmade techniques and Italian craftsmanship as a reference point.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with precise material research, and one of their goals is continuous product innovation with respect for human health: that is, using only non-toxic materials free from lead, cadmium, and other hazardous compounds. After experience with Capodimonte porcelain, it can be proudly stated that since the mid-1980s, Sibania has been a leading company in the field of porcelain doll production. 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 remember 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 manual skills, allow us to say that their works are truly one-of-a-kind.

These romantic 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 artistic representation of childhood innocence and purity. For creating 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.