Hand-painted ceramic scent bottle depicting a face of a Moor

Painted ceramic scent bottle depicting the face of a Moor. Metal and cork cap. The facial features are different on the two sides, as they are hand painted. This object reminds a traditional and symbolic Sicilian object, typical of Caltagirone, renowned for their craftsmanship and often depict historical or noble figures. Moor’s heads are a powerful apotropaic symbol in Sicilian tradition, believed to ward off negativity and bring good luck and prosperity to the home in which they are displayed. Their origins are linked to an ancient and tragic legend of love and jealousy that occurred during the Arab domination of Sicily.