Small works of art, handcrafted for three generations
In the heart of our ancient workshop, amid the scent of terracotta, brushes and coloured fabrics, an art form is born that has been passed down for nearly a century. Every puppet is a one-of-a-kind piece: from the moulding of the terracotta head to the painting of every detail, from the hand-sewn costumes to the choice of accessories. Over 50 different characters — from the legendary Pulcinella to the heroes of the most beloved fairy tales — each crafted through 72 hours of meticulous artisan work.
The Making
Magic in motion: how are our puppets born?
This art form combines artisan mastery and creativity, bringing small terracotta creatures to life — creatures that, in the hands of skilled puppeteers, come alive to be brought to life by our young audiences and, why not, adults too.
The process begins with a careful selection of materials, first and foremost terracotta: a robust material, as durable as it is mouldable. Using specially made custom moulds created for this purpose, we achieve a meticulous result. We allow the material to cool inside the moulds and extract it with particular care and precision, before moving on to the next stage: painting.
We pay particular attention and deep care to the crafting of anatomical details and facial expressions through the art of painting, using vivid and brilliant colours — for it is these small elements that bring each individual puppet to life. We use only water-based, completely non-toxic and safe colours, which enhance and highlight the distinctive and enchanting features of each character. Every shade is studied to capture the essence of the puppet, from the cunning of a wily character to the gentleness of a kind spirit. We complete this delicate phase with a coat of water-based flatting: a solution that provides protection and shine to the painted surface.
Once the painting phase is complete, we finish with the "dressing" of the puppet, completing it with its accessories. We use a wide selection of coloured fabrics: all garments are hand-sewn individually, as tradition once dictated, enriched with accessories that give further character and value to each figure.
Once our puppets are finished, they undergo a final quality check, where we verify that they are completely intact and free of defects. You will then find them on display during our shows, on a stand specially made for them — you will be spoilt for choice!