Porcelain figurine of a saxophonist - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of a young saxophonist, which seems to come straight from the streets of New Orleans. He wears a grey and white checkered shirt under a brick-red vest, light beige traveler’s trousers, a yellow bandana tied around his neck, and a brown and white almost sack-like checkered cap. He holds his saxophone tightly, leaning against a red balustrade. He is the heartbeat of the Sweet Swing Band, the official jazz band of Sibania. For this reason, his friends call him Grande Jazz.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of the craftsmanship of each piece and the technique used, which is unrivaled and difficult to imitate. These items are entirely modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in Vicenza (Italy). The clothing consists of thin porcelain sheets printed with textures. These sheets are cut according to the dress pattern and then patiently applied to the sculpture’s body. Hairstyles are also sometimes handcrafted. 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.” Any additional details, such as violin strings or stands, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality porcelain combined with handwork and classic designs is the signature of Sibania. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade was a valued commodity. 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 basis of ongoing research into materials and production techniques of the brand.

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 maintaining handcrafted techniques and Italian craftsmanship as benchmarks.

The brand places great importance on the evolving workshop tradition, with precise material research, and aims for continuous product innovation with respect for human health: using only non-toxic, lead-free, cadmium-free, and other hazardous substances. 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 models for major 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 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, as well as the widespread use of manual skills, allow us to say that their works are truly one of a kind.

These exceptional 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 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 very meaningful gifts.