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A collection of stunning Venetian Carnival Masks imported direct from Venice
Click here to view our range of over 60 designs and order online.

We stock a variety of genuine hand-crafted papier mache Venetian Masks - imported direct from artisan workshops in Venice - including half-face masks, Feathered Venetian Masks for ladies and gents, Venetian Cat Masks, Character Venetian Masks from the Comedia D'ell Arte and Phantom of the Opera designs. The mask bases are hand-crafted from papier mache and decorated using gold-leaf, relief paints, ostrich feathers, glitter and decorative beading. Each mask is fitted with ribbon ties and hangers.
Perfect for parties, theatrical & corporate events, or just as a fun collectors item.
 

Venetian Masks originated from the Carnival of Venice around the 11th Century developing into the Commedia dell'arte  - a popular form of improvisational theater which began in Italy in the 15th century and maintained its popularity through to the 18th century. Characters were identified by costume & masks and many of the modern mask designs reflect these characters such as Harlequin, Columbina, Dottore, Pantalone and Scaramouche to name a few.

After the 1100s, the masquerade went through periods of being outlawed by the Catholic Church, especially during holy days. Their policy lead to eventual acceptance when they declared the months between Christmas and Shrove Tuesday free for Venetian mask-attired decadence. This period evolved into Carnevale, the pre-Lent celebration meaning, "remove meat."

By 1436 the wearing of masks and costumes was well established, when maskmakers or mascareri were officially recognized with their own guild. The practice of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak in the 18th Century, when Venetians of different social classes used the Carnival as an excuse to free themselves from judging neighbours, seeking anonymity for promiscuity, gambling, and other illicit behaviours.

Masks virtually disappeared--along with the Carnival when Napoleon's troops occupied the Venetian Republic in 1797. However, the masks staged a spectacular comeback since a group of former Academy of Fine Arts students opened Venice's first modern mask shop in 1978 and now every street in Venice has its own parade of Venetian Mask shops.

The modern celebration of Carnevale has reinvigorated the art and craft of making Venetian masks. The traditional method involves sculpting a form out of clay as a base for the mask. Most masks are made from papier-mâché, a plaster paste made from paper strips and glue. This plaster material is layered over the base - once dried it is removed to form the basic mask. The artisan paints designs onto the mask in bright colors and embellish the designs further with gold-leaf, sequins, silk ribbons, bird feathers, faux fur, rhinestones, leather, gold charms, glitter, and exotic trinkets.

Our collection of Venetian Masks are carefully chosen from traditional and well-establishes Mask-makers in Venice who continue with this traditional craft and each mask carries its own label of authenticity.