Susanna De Simone Ceramic Vase – “La Vita Siciliana” | Hand-Painted Sicilian Art

This magnificent Susanna De Simone vase, titled “La Vita Siciliana,” is a joyful tribute to the rhythms of Sicilian life — where sea, sun, and village stories intertwine in color and motion. Handcrafted and hand-painted in Palermo under the Fabbrica della Ceramica atelier, the vase showcases vivid narrative scenes that wrap entirely around its curved surface, transforming it into a 360° story of Mediterranean beauty.

Against a brilliant sky-blue and ocean-blue background, fishermen haul in their nets, families wave from whitewashed houses, and the golden sun radiates warmth and abundance. Every detail — from the fluttering Italian flag on the boat to the playful shoals of fish below — captures the joyful realism and humor that define Giovanni De Simone’s artistic legacy, continued today by his daughter Susanna De Simone.

Standing at 11 inches tall by 12 inches wide, this sculptural vessel is both functional and decorative. Whether used as a statement centerpiece or admired as fine art, its cubist-inspired figures and vibrant palette bring energy and personality to any space. Each vase is signed by the artist, celebrating a living tradition of Sicilian craftsmanship and storytelling.

Bring a piece of Sicily home — a sunlit expression of gioia di vivere that turns every glance into a journey to the Mediterranean.

Crafted in Palermo by Susanna De Simone under the Fabbrica della Ceramica atelier, this piece continues the iconic artistic legacy of her father, Giovanni De Simone, whose bold cubist influences and joyful interpretation of Sicilian life made his ceramics world-renowned.

Each curve and color reflects Susanna’s signature style — a celebration of gioia di vivere, the joy of living — that brings warmth and energy to any space. Designed to hold five candles, this artful candelabra functions beautifully as both a table centerpiece and a decorative sculpture, radiating Mediterranean vibrancy even without a flame.

Perfect for collectors of Italian ceramics or lovers of distinctive art, Fiore di Sicilia is more than a candelabra — it’s a story of heritage, creativity, and the enduring light of Sicilian craftsmanship.

Details

• Artist: Susanna De Simone

• Collection: Fabbrica della Ceramica

• Design: “La Vita Siciliana” – Sicilian Life Vase

• Dimensions: 11” H x 12” W

• Material: Hand-painted ceramic

• Origin: Palermo, Sicily

• Use: Decorative vase / collectible art piece

Giovanni De Simone, a renowned and innovative artisan from Palermo, Sicily, was a visionary artisan known for the use of intense colors and cubist drawing style similar to Picasso. Early in his life Giovanni worked with Picasso and shared his innovation using bright red in ceramics with Picasso. "Picasso loved that innovation. I express what comes through my imagination, filtering old and new memories, comparing my experiences and my understanding" wrote Giovanni De Simone in 1991. Today, this art style is continued by his daughter Susanna. Her limited production bears her signature, together with the company's new name "Fabbrica della Ceramica”.

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.