Ceramic Pine Cones

Caltagirone ceramic pine cones are an ancient artisan tradition of the Sicilian city of Caltagirone. Since ancient times it has contained meanings related to the life force, immortality, divinity. And the Sicilian tradition says that giving away pine cones is a wish for good health and luck.

These decorative objects represent the pine cones and are entirely handmade, using the most ancient local ceramic techniques

Their history dates back to around the seventeenth century, when the city of Caltagirone became one of the main production centers of Sicilian ceramics

Originally they were made to decorate the gardens of noble villas, the facades of churches, convents, or even the thrones of kings and popes, but they soon became very popular among the local population

Each pine cone consists of three parts:

• the base
• the central part
• the top

The Base is usually a flat circle, decorated with geometric or floral motifs, on which the pine cone is placed.

The Central Part is made up of scales that are superimposed creating the effect of a pine cone.

Finally, the top is a cap, often decorated with relief motifs

The Caltagirone Ceramic Pine Cones are considered a unique work of art and represent one of the most important symbols of Sicilian culture.

Over the years, local potters have developed new techniques and new styles of decorating pine cones, while always keeping the ancient craft traditions alive.

Today ceramic pine cones are exported all over the world, and are highly appreciated for their beauty and high quality craftsmanship.

In 2008 the city of Caltagirone was also included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, precisely because of its great ceramic tradition and the beauty of its ceramic pine cones.