Susanna De Simone Wall Art – “Il Saraceno” | Hand-Painted Sicilian Ceramic Tile

Infused with the vibrant spirit of Sicily, this Susanna De Simone ceramic wall art titled “Il Saraceno” captures the timeless story of the Moorish King, one of the island’s most iconic symbols of love, legend, and cultural fusion.

Against a bold crimson background, the regal figure of Il Saraceno—with his crescent moon crown and majestic prickly pear headdress—embodies strength, mystery, and Mediterranean allure. His sharp features, expressive eyes, and vivid geometric tunic reflect Susanna De Simone’s distinctive cubist-inspired style, where modern art meets Sicilian folklore.

Each piece is handcrafted and hand-painted in Palermo under the Fabbrica della Ceramica atelier, where Susanna carries forward the artistic legacy of her father, Giovanni De Simone, whose visionary ceramics brought Sicilian art to the world.

This one-of-a-kind 15” tile can be displayed as wall art or incorporated into interior design as a statement piece. Whether hung in a kitchen, entryway, or dining room, Il Saraceno radiates Italian charm, color, and cultural history—a conversation piece that bridges past and present with unmistakable character.

Details

• Artist: Susanna De Simone

• Collection: Fabbrica della Ceramica

• Design: “Il Saraceno” – Moorish King with Prickly Pear Crown

• Material: Hand-painted ceramic

• Dimensions: Approx. 15” square

• Origin: Palermo, Sicily

• Use: Wall art / decorative tile

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.