Sicilian Testa di Moro – Handcrafted Ceramic Frutta King Vase

Embodying the rich storytelling and passion of Sicily, this handcrafted Testa di Moro King Vase stands as a symbol of love, legend, and artistry. Entirely hand-sculpted and painted by Italian artisans, this magnificent piece blends centuries-old tradition with modern refinement, making it an unforgettable statement of Italian craftsmanship.

The regal male face is crowned with a garland of lemons, pomegranates, and blossoms, representing abundance, vitality, and eternal beauty. Every leaf and petal is shaped and glazed by hand, resulting in breathtaking realism and depth of color. His deep green eyes, bold expression, and ornate crown evoke Sicilian nobility — a tribute to the island’s cultural fusion of Arab and Mediterranean influences.

Each Testa di Moro is a one-of-a-kind work of art, carrying subtle variations that reflect the artist’s hand. Together with its counterpart “Queen” vase, it tells the fabled story of a forbidden love in Palermo — a legend that has inspired Sicilian pottery for nearly a thousand years.

Perfect as a decorative centerpiece or collector’s treasure, this vase transforms any space into a gallery of Italian heritage and beauty.

Product Details

• Origin: Handcrafted in Sicily, Italy

• Artisan: Schittone Ceramiche

• Material: Glazed ceramic

• Dimensions: Approx. 16” H x 10” W

• Design: Male “Testa di Moro” with crown, lemons, and floral adornments

• Finish: Hand-painted, high-gloss glaze

• Uniqueness: Each piece is sculpted, painted, and signed by the artist — no two are ever alike

• Care: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth

Legend of the Moorish Head

The legend of the Moorish head goes back in the XI century, during the Moors domination in Sicily and as in most legends, is once again Cupid’s fault (or credit).

One day, a beautiful and honorable young girl living in the Kalsa, the Arabic district of Palermo, was taking care of plants and flowers in the balcony of her house as she was used to. Suddenly, a Moor merchant who was passing by, fell in love with the beautiful girl who immediately returned his love.

They started having a love story until when she discovered he already had a wife and children waiting for him in his native land. She went suddenly crazy of jealousy and one night, while he was sleeping she thought of a way to make him stay with her forever!

She therefore cut off his head and used it as a vase to grow her beautiful basil plant.

People walking by her balcony started looking at her flourishing plant of basil and became jealous of how bloomed her plants were, so they commissioned the potters in Palermo to forge colorful clay heads pots wishing to have the same magic green thumb.

The brothers Schittone, Vincenzo and Giuseppe, opened their artistic workshop in 2002 in Sciacca, a beautiful coastal town overlooking the sea in Sicily. Born in Sciacca, they attended the state institute of art "G. Bonachia “. As true artisans in hand-crafted modeling and painting, the brothers are two of our most innovative ceramists. They create unique pieces such as Moor's heads and passionately promote Sciacca a city of Ceramic. Check out the rest of the modern collection on biordi.com

Italian ceramics are heirloom quality products, and can last lifetime with proper care. We have some suggestions that will preserve your majolica for years to come.

Majolica is dishwasher safe, but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution. Because majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time. Check for warning labels before ordering a product, as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled.

Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids. Pouring water with a rolling boil directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to breakage. To avoid this, temper the object. The industry standard is 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit). Quench the glass to cool it.

Crazing is common in well used majolica. The tiny cracks in the glaze do not affect the functionality of your majolica.

Majolica hand-crafted products should not be microwaved, as it may crack and/or break the ceramics.

UPS Ground

Flat shipping charge of $10 for each shipment of merchandise under $100.00. For orders of $100.00 or more, shipping is 10% of the order total.

UPS Next Day Air

Flat shipping charge of $63 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 90% of the order total.

UPS 2-Day Priority (Rush Shipping)

Flat shipping charge of $42 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 60% of the order total. Note: This option is required for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS 3-Day Priority

Flat shipping charge of $21 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 30% of the order total.

International Shipments

Please contact us at customerservice@biordi.com or call us at (415) 392-8096 for quotes to ship internationally.

You will be charged a rate based on your delivery area, value and shipping preference. For items shipped via UPS, see below for information pricing information. Once the package is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information to track your package.