Stylish Moor head made of ceramics

Beautifully decorated ceramic heads, adorned with shimmering 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.

In this place lived a dazzling young woman who captivated the Moor to such an extent that he wanted to demonstrate his unbridled 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 cut off his head, thus 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 to divine symbolism and forever associated with sanctity. Legend has it that from that moment, basil flourished, nourished by the tears of the young girl. However, the charm of this plant sparked jealousy among other residents of the area. As a result, they commissioned skilled artisans to create terracotta vases, each meticulously crafted to resemble the Moor’s head.

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

The dual nature of ceramic objects 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 unique place unleashes inspiration through its wild beauty, eruptions, and history that still echoes in 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 products.

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

The brand also distinguishes itself by the quality of raw materials used, 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 sensibility.

FROM THE EARTH TO MAJOLICA

Every work begins with a pencil sketch, which is an interpretation of the artist’s thoughts. From there, the shaping of the object transforms the imagined image into reality. Skilled hands use clay and water to almost magically create desired shapes. Left to dry for several days under 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 pursuit of 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 mimicking 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 key factors behind the success of the workshop.

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: profound knowledge of raw materials, majolica processing, and meticulous attention to detail. Tangible results of an endless pursuit of beauty and character, where design merges with the expertise of the finest craftsmanship.

Artefice Atelier, a fortunate meeting of stylistic inspirations from the past and the continuous search for the most modern charm, 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.