An Ancient Craft

Where else would one find an authentic mask maker but Venice? Brothers Sergio and Massimo Boldrin continue this ancient and creative art at one of their shops La Bottega dei Mascareri located at the foot of the Rialto Bridge. The brothers have been at this location for over 20 years. Here one can find a fantastic assortment of authentic Venetian papier mache masks, such as the “Bauta” the classic mask worn by Ventian nobility, or the “Moretta” a small oval mask worn by women of all social classes. Unable to contain myself as I entered their shop on the Rialto, I purchased four masks and carefully transported them back home.

The brothers opened a second shop located at S. Polo 2720 that has an even larger selection of masks, costumes and capes. At both locations one can see the masters continuing a profession that originated in 1268. I highly recommend a visit to either location.