The Phases of Production

All the techniques used for the creation of the characters and for the production of the objects, are the same as those traditionally used since the distant 1700’s.
The production comes in 11 principle phases:

Prototype
The dimensions of the character are established, his social level, age and expression; the clay is then moulded to create the first subject.
Cast
A cast of the head is created in different pieces with plaster, to reproduce the dimensions, the proportions and the principle lines.
Differently from the normal production of terracotta, the cast is not used with the technique of collaggio (a method adapt at serial production where it is necessary to reproduce on a large scale the expression on the face), but by pressure.
Delineation of the head and limbs
The clay is moulded in the cast and is worked into the first roughness of the outlines.
Modelling
The Figurine takes form from the modelling of the head, hands and feet: it is the moment in which the definition of the expression begins (with the exception of the eyes), one of the principle elements of prestige which differentiates an artistic manufacture from artisan one.
Eyes
The expression of the eyes is refined with the assembling of glass eyes (created ad hoc with blown and varnished glass),moulding the eyelids with clay at a low temperature of drying.
Painting
The pieces are “coloured” by expert artistic painters: it is one of the most delicate phases of the production, in so far it contributes in the conferring of personality to the subject and is an unmistakable artistic value in work.
Mannequin
The body of the character is created with an iron wire covered in layers of wick of natural hemp.
Assembly
The characters are assembled applying various pieces of clay to the mannequins, harmonising them to the body with other wick: involving an expert work in covering, executed by placing stuffing in varies parts to obtain a form which assumes a human
resemblance and not that of a simple doll.
Clothing
After the selection a suitable cloth, the material is then tinted and cut, the single pieces are then sewn, folded, patinated and refined with buttons, passemenerie, embroidered and finally placed on the mannequin with the relevant accessories.
Pose
The conferring of the posture: is obtained folding the iron wire which forms the structure of the limbs. The ability consists in conferring the personality a natural pose.
Parallel Production
Regarding the creation of all the enhancement of finishing and of accessories: the metals are forged and beaten by hand, the glass is blown, the clay is modulated by heat, the set design is entirely realised in wood, cork, papier-mache’ and musk.