Unique in Venice: Artisanal Botteghe for Non-Ordinary Shopping

The workshops of the Boldrin brothers specialise in the crafting of a variety of papier mache Venetian masks, including jesters, elves and characters from the ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ for a trip back into 18th century Venice. The Mascareri have also worked for the theatre, the cinemas and fashion shows, and are considered among several of the most established manufacturers of collector’s items. They were the first mask makers to embellish their masks with decorations by Tiepolo. The most historical workshop is located in San Polo 80, while a second one was born soon afterwards in San Polo 2720.

A celebrated Venetian jeweller since 1934, and the owner of one of the few remaining historical shops on the Rialto bridge, Eredi Jovon is famous for its hand-carved Italian shell and blue agate cameos, set in silver or gold and available at factory prices or on special offer. The shop is also renowned for its beautiful coral, Murano glass and blackamoor jewellery. High quality, superior craftsmanship and its wide assortment of cameos and customised coral jewellery allow Eredi Jovon to satisfy the individual tastes of even the most discerning customers.

Eredi Jovon daily crafts fully handmade cameos, created upon request based on a picture. All creations can be ordered online and shipped all around the world, thanks to an efficient e-commerce service. 

Tucked away under an arcade just steps from the Rialto bridge is a tiny boutique with an astonishing Unique in Venice Artisanal ‘botteghe’, tiny jewel-like boutiques and vintage shops, this ‘unique’ city offers an array of ‘unique’ locations where you can indulge in an authentic shopping experience and purchase objet d’art, fabrics and accessories that you’ll be hard put to find elsewhere. While strolling through its ‘calli’, you will discover how the tradition cultivated by the latter endows this city with its characteristic vibrancy… La Bottega dei Mascareri Eredi Jovon selection of handmade slippers, where Alessandra and Renato make and sell colourful ‘furlane’ (slippers), handcrafted with recycled bicycle-tyre treads, ideal for finding your footing on a gondola. Their creations are available in coloured velvet, brocade, printed fabrics or recycled shirting, provided by their customers. Highly original and absolutely unmissable!

Artisanal weavers specializing in the production of exquisite, decorative fabrics for furnishings and curtains. A unique place! Since 1875, the company has practiced the art of weaving on original looms that once belonged to the Venetian School of Silk (see main picture).