The production of ceramics in Sicily is a millenary tradition deeply linked to the history of the area. A vast repertoire of shapes and colours, which offers a production of unique and refined artistic artefacts.
The shape of the ceramic vases depicting the dark brown is so widespread that they have become one of the representative symbols of the island. They have the appearance of a male head and are often accompanied by female forged vases. Expertly worked, they are very beautiful to look at.
These vases keep a love story, as beautiful as it is sad, set in Palermo.
It is said that, during the Arab domination, a young woman with the passion of a green thumb lived in the Kalsa, an ancient district of the city. In fact, he spent most of his time taking care of the flowers that grew on his balcony with dedication and love.
It is said that she was very beautiful and graceful enough to arouse the attention of a young Moor who one day happened to pass by. Seeing her and falling in love with her was an instant!
A stroke of lightning that led him to declare, impetuously, his irrepressible love for the girl.
What woman would have remained indifferent to such an intense and daring feeling?
No sooner said than done! The two became lovers!
However, in his enthusiasm the man had forgotten to tell his beautiful Sicilian that he would soon return to his country... there, his wife and children were waiting for him! It doesn't take long to imagine how the cake ended up there
girl!
Anger, jealousy and vengeance burst into her broken heart. The infamous was punished!
After the moment of discouragement he meditated on the solution of the case.
She thought and thought about it…one thing was certain: she would never have allowed her handsome dark haired to leave her!
The night before the departure while he, unaware, was in the arms of Morpheus, the woman cut off his head... as well as a breadstick!
What would you have done with the head? She who had an infinite love for plants made a vase and planted the fragrant basil. Plant of love and passion! Her lover would never go away and she would look after him with such devotion.
The basil (as they say in our area!) grew luxuriant and fragrant. She never tired of admiring it and shedding her bitter tears over it!
The neighbors fascinated by the beauty of the vase and the luxuriant basil that grew there, wanted one just like it. Since then Sicilian potters began to make ceramic vases with dark brown heads and today it is possible to see them in our homes as silent guardians of a poignant love story.
