I walked into a local thrift store with zero expectations. Just browsing. Just killing time.
And then I saw it.
A strange, submarine-shaped ceramic object—somewhere between a whistle and a potato. I picked it up, flipped it over, and there it was:
“Ant. Canella – Ferrara, Italy.”
Ceramic. Handmade. Italian.
Price? One dollar.
Sold.
🎵 What Is an Antonio Canella Ocarina?
Turns out, I hadn’t found junk. I’d found a piece of musical history.
The ocarina is one of the world’s oldest wind instruments, with roots in ancient China, Mesoamerica, and Europe. The version I found—made by Antonio Canella—hails from Ferrara, Italy, a city known for its deep connection to ocarina craftsmanship.
The modern “sweet potato” ocarina shape was developed in the mid-1800s by Giuseppe Donati of Budrio, just outside Ferrara. Antonio Canella carried that tradition forward, becoming one of the most respected ocarina makers of the 20th century.
His instruments are handcrafted, functional, and collectible—prized for their warm, haunting sound and beautiful artistry.
🔍 What Does It Look Like?
Mine is a 10-hole transverse ocarina, ceramic and glazed in a rich brown tone with a subtle gold stamp near the mouthpiece. It’s got a solid feel—clearly handmade, with a few imperfections that only add to its charm.
It’s not delicate, but it feels old in a good way. Like something meant to be both played and passed down.
And the sound?
Haunting. Airy. Ancient.
Not quite a whistle. Not quite a flute. Just… magical.
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