The Little Mermaid, handmade of porcelain - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of the Little Mermaid. Her long black hair decorated with an orange flower covers her breasts. She is sitting on the water's surface and appears worried. She’s probably starting to wonder what her life would be like if she decided to exchange her blue tail for human legs…

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of craftsmanship of each piece and the technique used, which is unrivaled and difficult to imitate. These objects are entirely modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in 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 torso. Hairdos are also sometimes crafted manually. On the “biscuit” terracotta, faces, clothing, and accessories are painted with non-toxic colors; the piece is ultimately subjected to further firing called the “third fire.” Any 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 define the Sibania brand. It’s a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade products were highly valued. 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 foundation of the brand’s ongoing research into materials and production techniques.

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 a reference point.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of craftsmanship, with precise material research, 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 stated that since the mid-1980s, Sibania has been a leading company in the field of porcelain doll production. Indeed, since the 1980s, production has been based on proprietary biscuit component models for major workshops and porcelain doll companies in Italy. In 1998, the company began producing figurines, small sculptures mainly depicting children. On one hand, they continually draw on the productive finishing and decorating techniques learned from Capodimonte, 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, make their works truly one-of-a-kind.

These beautiful 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, reflecting the current and modern expressive style of the company’s work. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally very meaningful gifts.