In Sicilian popular tradition, the pine cone, or, the fruit of the pine tree, represents abundance, prosperity, fertility and well-being.  Over time it has become one of the most iconic symbols of Sicily and of Sicilian culture.  Pine cones are given as gifts to affix above doors of the home to bring good health and good fortune to the inhabitants.

Clay is one of the most popular media through which pines cones are artistically rendered.  Ceramic pine cones, as exclusive, refined and stylized furnishings and ornaments, are found throughout Sicily and Italy in homes and gardens of all kinds.  In cemeteries, churches, monasteries, palaces and even in The Vatican, ceramic pine cones signify the materialization of the human soul on earth, the link between the human and the Divine.

Our pine cone featured here is truly unique.  Made of a rainbow of vivid colors, the entire piece is handmade by highly talented artisans in the Sicilian town of Caltagirone.  This town has been a center for excellence in the production of fine ceramics for hundreds of years.

The artisans who made this pine cone have worked with clay all of their professional lives.  They begin by forming the base, support and basic form on the lathe.  After a first drying process, the artisans skillfully and meticulously create each pine cone bract/scale with nothing other than their fingers.  After each scale is attached to the pine cone form, the piece is then expertly painted and fired in the kiln.  What results is an extraordinarily beautiful object:  a perfect representation of artisan craftmanship and chic style.

Various colors/hand-painted, hand sculpted ceramic