The literal translation of Bottega Veneta is "Venetian artisanal workshop." And the luxury house continues to pay tribute to its origins.
Launched in 2021 to support pandemic-impacted artisans, its "Bottega for Bottegas" initiative now serves as a seasonal showcase for craft that speaks to the traditional Italian meaning of bottega: an artisanal shop. This year, the project is celebrating Venice's rich tradition of intergenerational craftsmanship.
Through the month of December, the brand is spotlighting six Venetian artists and their wares on its website, social media, and other platforms, including brass objects by Fonderia Artistica Valese; a wooden puzzle by Signor Blum; Modiano's leather-cased playing cards; and glass creations from Laguna~B, Bruno Amadi, and Wave Murano Glass.
Take a close look at what's on offer below.
BRUNO AMADI
Bruno Amadi, a Venetian glass artist, creates skilled works inspired by nature, from green beans to butterflies. He meticulously observes and captures natural elements through photographs and drawings and then realizes his forms in glass using his father's traditional techniques. His passion translates into carefully composed pieces, which have been showcased in numerous exhibitions across Venice's museums including Museo Correr, Palazzo Grassi, and Palazzo Ducale.
FONDERIA ARTISTICA VALESE
Fonderia Artistica Valese, established in 1913, preserves the traditional Venetian metal casting practice that has threatened to be lost to time. Managed by Carlo Semenzato, the foundry uses sand casting techniques, creating brass and bronze pieces featuring classic Venetian symbols. The foundry carries on its artisan legacy by crafting intricate items like door handles and chandeliers through time-honored molten metal pouring methods.
LAGUNA~B
Marie Brandolini developed Laguna~B 30 years ago, bringing an experimental approach to glasswork. She infused formal Murano techniques with a pop aesthetic, taking risks in both form and style. In 2016, Marcantonio Brandolini took over the company as artistic director, developing new collections and investing in Venice's culture, environment, and young talent.
MODIANO
The Venetian craft of playing cards, tarot decks, and paper products lives on through Modiano, founded in 1868 by Saul Modiano. Renowned for its designs throughout Italy and the world, Modiano continues to celebrate and preserve this artisanal tradition, blending heritage with quality.
SIGNOR BLUM
Signor Blum, a Venetian workshop founded in 1978, crafts intricate wooden jigsaw puzzles. Now led by a second-generation team—Guido Engelke, Matteo De Rossi, and Luca Palmieri—their hand-drawn, hand-cut, and hand-colored puzzles capture Venice's architecture, wildlife, and landscapes.
WAVE MURANO GLASS
Murano glass is iconic in Venice, and Wave Murano Glass redefines Venetian glassmaking, blending centuries-old Murano traditions with contemporary innovation. The newest studio of the bunch, it was founded in 2017 and specializes in handcrafted bespoke pieces, collaborating with furniture and lighting brands to create exclusive, cutting-edge glass design objects.
