Handmade porcelain figurine of a woman - Sibania

Porcelain figurine allegory of summer. It depicts a woman with red highlights in her hair, dressed in a long, wide gold dress and a long scarf with a butterfly pattern. These butterflies come to life in her hands and fly away. She sits on an oak chair, observing the passage of time and the Summer Butterflies (Farfalle d'Estate) flying around her.

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 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 body. Hairstyles are also occasionally crafted by hand. Faces, clothing, and accessories are painted with non-toxic colors on the "biscuit" terracotta; the piece is finally subjected to further firing called the “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 distinctive designs, is the hallmark of the Sibania brand. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade was a valued commodity. Delicate porcelain dolls 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 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, 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 preserving handmade techniques and Italian craftsmanship as a reference point.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of artisan workshops, with precise 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 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 models for the most important artisan workshops and companies producing porcelain dolls 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 use of manual skills, make their works truly one of a kind.

These romantic 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 artistic portrayals of childhood innocence and purity. For the creation of 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 very meaningful gifts.