Since 1973 the Patania family have been making the traditional Sicilian Pupi, the famous puppet, in San Giovanni la Punta, Catania. Synonymous with professionalism, creativity and tradition, the Patanias have built an artisan business which has Sicilian tradition and unique charm at its core. These “treasures of the past” are refined, harmonious and unique objects. They are the result of a passion for the craft, a sense of belonging to their land and a meticulous love for quality materials. The age-old technique, which simply requires the hands of an expert craftsman, is an unchanging element in the creativity of the Patania family. In addition to the creation of the Pupi, a constant search for vintage items, and nurturing customer relationships, the Patania family also specialises in making the traditional “Coffe”. These antique baskets hold food for the horses and are kept under a cart. Today they have been turned into straw bags covered with velvet, fringes and leather of the finest quality, decorated by hand and with ceramic additions.

Enamel, 60 x 151 x 68.2 cm Illustrated on this refrigerator are the parts that make up a Sicilian “carretto”. On the front panel we see the wheel and the “masciddaru”, from the Sicilian word for “jaw”, meaning the side of the cart, which is divided into two panes. On the upper register of one side we find the “chiave dell’asta”, which locks the two shafts, while the lower register portrays the paladin Orlando's death in a cave. The other side shows the “cascia du fusu”, which is the part in wrought iron and carved wood that joins the wheel axle to the bottom of the cart. Further down is a scene set in heaven, where Astolfo (paladin of Charlemagne, recognisable by the horn and blue-plumed helmet) receives the mind of Orlando from St. John the Evangelist. All the sides are further embellished by fruits indigenous to Sicily. Depicted on top the “tistera”, or headboard, with the colourful feathered harness for the horse's head.