Hand made Venetian masks and other Venice, Italy Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: Cavalier

A small shop run by father and son who both still practice the art of making hand made masks. They also restore antique furniture.
I arrived there after a very long walk, actually looking for another shop in the Dorsoduro area but I didn't find it. Cavalier senior was sitting in his shop, working on a mask, smoking a fat cigar. The shop was completely full, you could not have entered with two persons.

^ ^ ^ Don't forget: 3 more photo's to see in this tip!

Fortunately he spoke French and so we chatted while he carried out some articles to put on show outside his shop, thus creating room to actually be able to reach for the masks which were displayed on the wall. He pushed aside the masks he was working on on his already too full worktop and displayed the ones I had chosen.
He had many photos on the wall of himself with famous people like actors and politicians and he showed me an article in a Dutch glossy magazine that mentions his shop and artistry.

What To Buy: There are basically two kinds of Venetian masks. One is the carnival masks with all the fancy lace, colours and shapes. Then there are the traditional masks: Commedia dell'Arte which have to do with theatre. They have fixed shapes and represent different characters such as Arlecchino, Capitano, Pulcinello or Diavolo.

What To Pay: For a hand made mask made of papier mache with real gold leaf paper, which as a whole costs a month to make, one pays between 80 and 95 euro. You can find cheap masks all over the streets and alleys of Venice but beware: you may find a sticker with 'made in China' on it.

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: 0415238621
Address: San Marco 2863/A, Venezia
Directions: Just before the bridge Academia, there is a little square. Right off the square you will find the shop.
Website: http://www.cavaliervenice.com

Name of Shop: Segalin Rolando

In the previous tip I was telling you about Senor Cavalier who makes these wonderful masks. I asked him who he would recommend for me to buy a mask made of leather and who also possesses a similar level of craftmanship. He pointed me towards this address which I quickly found in the middle of the main tourist shopping area. In fact, I had been admiring the shop window the day before. Unfortunately the shop was closed on Saturday

What To Buy: Unusual shoes and leather masks.

What To Pay: Probably about 80-100 euro per mask

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Theme: Local Craft
Address: Calle dei Fuseri, San Marco 4365
Directions: Just north of San Marco square.