The bummolo malandrino is a special type of Sicilian ceramic water flask known for its playful and “tricky” way of drinking. Recognizable by its rounded body and narrow neck, it was originally designed to ensure that water remained cool for long periods, thanks to the porous terracotta and its clever shape.

The word malandrino in Italian can mean “rascal” or “mischievous,” which reflects the vessel’s unusual hidden opening system. If someone unfamiliar attempts to drink from it incorrectly, water may unexpectedly spill out. To use it properly, one must know the correct opening!

Historically, farmers and travelers carried the bummolo while working in the fields. Over time, it evolved from a practical household object into a decorative symbol of Sicilian craftsmanship. Today, artisans create bummoli in hand-painted majolica with vibrant colors and intricate motifs inspired by nature, Sicilian Baroque motifs, and contemporary patterns.

Beyond its practical use, a Sicilian bummolo is now appreciated both as a collectible ceramic piece and as a striking decorative accent that reflects the history, artistry, and traditions of Sicily.

Handmade & hand-painted in Caltagirone, Italy
Material: ceramic

Ceramiche Sofia is a family-run pottery studio founded by the Intonato brothers at the turn of the century.
Giuseppe and Nicola have worked very hard to gain recognition in a town, Caltagirone, where most pottery-making businesses have successfully been passed down through many generations. Eventually, their talents and resilience have won him the favors of ceramic lovers (and ours!). The quality of their work is outstanding, as is their pottery's sheer size and physicality. Delving into Caltagirone's past and using traditional production methods, they create exquisite collections that capture the essence of the local heritage while contributing to the future of Sicilian pottery.

Caltagirone is a lively Baroque town in central Sicily. It has been known for its superb ceramic production for over a thousand years. Indeed, its name derives from an Arabic word meaning the Castle or Fortress of the vases.
As with most pottery-making traditions, the production started with functional vessels and later evolved into ornamental ceramics. Beautifully handcrafted tiles and vases have been used for centuries to decorate public and private buildings, parks, churches, streets, squares and the renowned Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte with its 142 magnificent majolica stair risers.
A visit to the Regional Museum of Ceramics is a must to appreciate the artistic value of Sicilian pottery and its evolution over the centuries.

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