Height: 22 cm
Colors: Yellow
Handmade

Among the most representative works of the Tales of Clay collection, “U Re Bafè” is born from the universe of memory and Sicilian folk tradition. The work draws inspiration from childhood memories and the evocative power of everyday objects, transforming a simple vessel into a figure rich in personality and meaning.

“U Re Bafè” represents the power of memory to transform matter into a narrative. Through ceramics, the work restores new life to ancient forms and gestures passed down through time, celebrating the profound link between creativity, territory, and Sicilian culture. A handcrafted piece that transcends its original function to become a symbol, a narrative, and a testament to a craft heritage that remains vibrant and capable of renewal.

The work takes its name from a celebrated nursery rhyme of Sicilian folk tradition, preserved in collective memory and passed down orally from generation to generation. Through the rhythm of words and the linguistic play typical of folk narrative, the rhyme evokes that childhood universe of fantasy, orality, and imagination from which the artist’s inspiration springs.

«C’era ‘na vota ‘n re,
bafè, viscottu e minè
c’aveva ‘na figghia, bafigghia, viscottu e minigghia.
Sta figghia, bafigghia,
viscottu e minigghia,
aveva ‘naceddu, bafeddu, viscottu e mineddu. […]
Allura, lu re, bafè,
viscottu e minè ci dissi:
e iu pi’ ‘naceddu bafeddu,
viscottu e mineddu,
ti dava a me figghia bafigghia,
viscottu e minigghia?
Ah! Vattinni, vavusu, fitusu, murvusu,
viscottu e minusu.»