Moor's Head - a unique sculpture referring to the rule of the Moors in Sicily

Beautifully decorated ceramic heads, adorned with shiny and vibrant colors, where meticulous attention to painted details and high-quality ceramics contribute to the unique and exclusive value of this artwork.

Legend. A story of love, jealousy, and revenge, referencing the year 1000, during the rule of the Moors in Sicily. This tale unfolds in the historic district of Palermo known as Kalsa.

Here lived a dazzling young woman who enchanted the Moor to such an extent that he wanted to demonstrate his untamed love. Unbeknownst to her, he harbored a deep secret — his imminent return to the East, where his wife and children awaited him.

Tormented by wounded pride and feeling betrayed by the person she considered her true love, she carefully devised her revenge. Under cover of night, she took his life and decapitated him, ensuring that her beloved would stay with her forever. This macabre act gave rise to the nickname “testa di moro” or “testa di turco” (Moor’s head). She cleverly used his severed head in a vessel where she grew basil — a plant inseparably linked with divine symbolism and forever associated with holiness. Legend has it that from that moment, basil flourished, nourished by the tears of the young girl. However, the charm of this plant sparked envy among other residents of the area. As a result, skilled artisans were commissioned to create terracotta vases, each meticulously crafted to resemble the Moor’s head.

Artefice Atelier is a brand synonymous with the highest quality raw materials and handcrafted work.

The dual nature of a ceramic object is one of the most fascinating aspects of human activity worth exploring. Truly, success in balancing practical problems with individual expression presents a creative challenge for Artefice Atelier. The way they approach this theme defines the quality of their perception and artistic creativity.

SICILY, OUR STRENGTH

Here, the power of volcanoes merges with a rich and fascinating history, inspiring culture, deep traditions, and a vibrant present. This extraordinary place inspires with its wild beauty, eruptions, and history that still echoes through its ancient ruins.

Thanks to its natural majesty and timeless cultural heritage, Sicily offers endless inspiration for creativity.

In fact, this island, with its enchanting landscapes and rich culture, is the creative cradle of Artefice Atelier, from which it draws the essence of its works. Artistic artifacts, shaped by master craftsmen, contain the fiery energy of volcanoes and the depth of ancient Sicilian legends, giving each piece a unique soul.

TO CREATE

One of our strengths is continuous idea exchange with clients. Comparing their thoughts and needs is an essential and irreplaceable source of inspiration for creating new items.

Each piece is crafted with care and love, with attention to detail; our working method is part of the manufactory’s identity, never to be betrayed. It is fundamental for us to constantly seek new stimuli, original harmonies, and broaden horizons through artistic expressions that are never banal and always experimental.

The brand also stands out for the quality of raw materials used, such as stoneware suitable for tableware. Every day, we work towards the main goal: to channel all creativity into serving others, realizing their desires through their artistic sensibility.

FROM THE EARTH TO MAJOLICA

Every work begins with a pencil sketch, which is an interpretation of the artist’s thoughts. This is where shaping the object transforms an imagined image into reality. Skilled hands use clay and water, almost magically creating desired shapes. Left to dry for several days in special conditions, the object reaches the so-called “skin hardness” and is then ready for the first firing at around 1000°C.

Terracotta is then ready for decoration. This is a phase of the production process during which the artist gives their all. Often, it’s about giving space for imagination and color.

WITH ALL MY HEART

Dynamic, eclectic, based on artistic experiences, continuous search for beauty, and planning that aims to make Made in Italy its strength and pride. It focuses on the highest quality materials and highly skilled artisans with refined craftsmanship.

An offering of contemporary home furnishings, style, and design, presented through profiles imitating various artistic expressions, where painting art merges with different forms, expressed in unique objects—raw earth that can now become a vase, a lamp, or a lively, dynamic sculpture.

Cutting-edge technologies, a desire to experiment, ongoing research, and our motivation are the factors behind the brand’s success.

DESIGN, QUALITY, AND ORIGINALITY

All our production is driven by a quest for style, in the name of elegance and good taste, where tradition and modernity, design and innovation come together to offer a product of excellence.

Every detail reflects great passion and craftsmanship: in-depth knowledge of raw materials, majolica processing, and a meticulous love for details. Tangible results of the continuous pursuit of beauty and character, where design merges with the expertise of the most refined craftsmanship.

Artefice Atelier, being a fortunate meeting of stylistic inspirations from the past and a constant search for the most modern allure, interprets high creativity at the highest level—an encounter of art, design, and good taste—while the alchemy of colors combined with material signatures creates avant-garde objects with a unique and unmistakable personality.