Moor's Head - referring to the period of Moorish rule in Sicily

Legend is a story of love, jealousy, and revenge, dating back about a thousand years during the Moorish domination of Sicily, set in the ancient Kalsa district of Palermo.

There lived a beautiful girl who fascinated the Moor so much that he wanted to demonstrate his unrestrained love, but she carried a great secret: soon after, he planned to return to the East, where his wife and children awaited him.

Offended in pride and betrayed by what she considered her great love, she planned her revenge and one night killed him and cut off his head, so that her beloved would stay with her forever.

It is precisely from the head—hence the name "Moor's head" or "Turk's head"—that a vase was made, in which basil was planted, a plant associated with divine symbolism and always linked to holiness.

According to legend, from that moment on, basil grew lushly thanks to the girl’s tears. However, the beauty of this plant aroused jealousy among other residents of the area, who commissioned artisans to make terracotta vases in the shape of a dark brown head.

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

The dual nature of a ceramic object is one of the most fascinating aspects of human activity that must be explored. Truly, success in resolving the divide between practical problems and 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 combines with a rich and fascinating history, inspiring culture, deep traditions, and a vibrant present. This unique place sparks inspiration 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 very rich culture, is the creative cradle of Artefice Atelier, which draws the essence of its works from here. 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 part of creating new items.

Each piece is crafted with care and love, with attention to detail; and the working method is part of the brand’s identity, never betrayed. They are fundamentally committed to constantly seeking new stimuli, original harmonies, broadening horizons through artistic expressions that are never banal and always experimental.

The brand also stands out for the quality of the raw materials it works with, such as stoneware suitable for tableware. Every day, they work to achieve the main goal: to channel all creativity into serving others, realizing their desires through their artistic sense.

FROM THE EARTH TO MAJOLICA

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

At that point, the terracotta is 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.

The production process concludes with a second firing at about 920°C, which enhances the colors’ shine and preserves the paints for centuries. Sometimes, a third firing is necessary due to the gloss.

WITH ALL OUR HEART

Dynamic, eclectic, based on artistic experience, continuous pursuit of beauty, and planning that makes Made in Italy its strength and pride. They focus on the highest quality materials and highly skilled workers with refined craftsmanship.

Proposition for the equipment, style, and design of a contemporary home, presented through a profile that mimics various artistic expressions, where painting art merges with different forms, expressing itself in unique objects, raw earth that can now become a vase, now a lamp, now a praying and dynamic sculpture.

Cutting-edge technologies, a desire to experiment, continuous research, and our motivation are the factors behind the success of the manufactory.

DESIGN, QUALITY, AND ORIGINALITY

All our production is guided by the pursuit of 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 evident craftsmanship: profound knowledge of raw materials, majolica processing, and a careful love for details. Tangible results of the constant search for beauty and character, where design merges with the experience of the most meticulous craftsmanship.

Artefice Atelier, being a happy meeting of stylistic inspirations from the past and the continuous search for the most modern charm, interprets high creativity at the highest level, a meeting of art, design, and good taste, while the alchemy of colors combined with the material signature generates avant-garde objects with a unique and unmistakable personality. 

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