Thought It Was Junk… I Was So Wrong

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.