Vintage head "Testa di moro" in ceramic

Excellent ceramic work in the shape of a Moorish head, in bright white and gold details that provide depth, dynamism and personality to the figure, marking the iris, the earrings and the folds of the headdress. The characteristic features of this typology can be seen on the face, with penetrating eyes and voluptuous lips that accentuate his expression. Signed Bonsan on the side of the neck. The story of the testa di moro has its origin in a particular love relationship between two young people from the time of Arab domination of Sicily, during the 11th century. The legend speaks of a beautiful girl who lived in the Arab neighborhood of the city of Palermo. While taking care of the plants on her balcony, a merchant of Moorish origin fell in love with her. The young woman reciprocated her love, only to discover shortly after that the man was about to abandon her to return to her homeland, where he had a wife and children. Moved by her jealousy, the young woman found a way to keep the man with her forever: she cut off his head and used it as a vase to grow her plants. When the neighbors realized how flourishing their plants were, they began to create this type of pots and, since then, it is typical to find them decorating the balconies of Sicilian palaces. Art and history come together in these pieces that continue to amaze many artists and designers today, who choose to reinterpret this iconic figure with new shapes, colors and motifs. Perfect for both classic and modern environments, it can be used as a vase, vase, or simple decorative element, full of personality. Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 30 cm. Reference : 307430