For the fourth year in a row, Bottega Veneta brings us “Bottega for Bottegas” — a tribute to craft that feels as timeless as it is timely. This year, the focus is right where it all began: Venice. A fitting tribute to their Venetian origins, the brand spotlights six local artisans whose creations evoke the spirit of the region, its craft, and its culture.
Throughout December, Bottega Veneta is offering up its stage. The website, newsletters, store windows, even ad space — it’s all about the bottegas. Expect to see brass objects from Fonderia Artistica Valese, a wooden puzzle by Signor Blum, playing cards housed in a leather case by Modiano, and stunning glasswork from Laguna~B, Bruno Amadi, and Wave Murano Glass.
These aren’t just any crafts. Each piece has roots deep in the history and culture of Venice, a history that’s shaped Bottega Veneta itself. After all, the brand’s name literally means “Venetian workshop.” Signor Blum’s wooden puzzle captures the essence of Venetian architecture, while Modiano’s deck of Trevigiane cards nods to games loved in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia regions. Fonderia Artistica Valese, with its meticulously crafted brass, draws on Venice’s age-old symbols — think the winged lion and the ornate ferro of a gondola, embodying the city’s islands and sestieri.
Murano glass — that quintessential Venetian craft — gets the spotlight it deserves, too. Laguna~B, Bruno Amadi, and Wave Murano Glass each bring their own twist to this centuries-old tradition, blending heritage with a dash of the unexpected: bold colors, surprising shapes, fresh techniques.
When Bottega for Bottegas launched in 2021, it was a lifeline for small artisans hit hard by the pandemic. It’s since evolved into an annual celebration of craft, continuing to spotlight those at the heart of this artisanal tradition. From local Italian workshops in its early days to a more global perspective in the years since, Bottega Veneta remains committed to this enduring partnership with craft, innovation, and community — and this year’s lineup feels like a perfect homecoming to Venice.
Signor Blum
Since 1978, Signor Blum has been crafting sculptural wooden puzzles from its Venetian workshop. Now in the hands of a new generation—Guido Engelke, Matteo De Rossi, and Luca Palmieri—the brand’s jigsaw puzzles bring Venice to life, featuring everything from its iconic architecture to boats, animals, and trees. Each piece is hand-drawn, cut, and colored, reflecting their dedication to craftsmanship.
Laguna~B
Laguna~B, founded in 1994 by Marie Brandolini, has been redefining glassware in the Murano tradition. With a forward-thinking, experimental approach, they work closely with skilled glass masters in the Murano furnaces. Since 2016, artistic direction has been helmed by Marcantonio Brandolini, who continues to push boundaries with new collections and a focus on culture, environment, and fostering young talent.
Fonderia Artistica Valese
Founded in 1913 by Luigi Valese, Fonderia Artistica Valese is Venice’s last standing foundry. Under the stewardship of Carlo Semenzato, the foundry continues the traditional sand-casting process to create brass and bronze objects. From Venetian symbols like the winged lion to chandeliers and door handles, their work captures the city’s historic spirit in every detail.
Bruno Amadi
Since 1974, Bruno Amadi has been transforming natural forms into delicate glass sculptures from his workshop in Campo San Polo. Raised on Murano, Amadi learned the craft from his father, who worked in the glass furnaces. His pieces—ranging from starfish to butterflies—combine technical skill with a keen observation of nature, creating glassworks that feel alive.
Wave Murano Glass
The youngest glass studio on Murano, Wave Murano Glass, was founded in 2017 by Roberto Beltrami. They marry the island’s centuries-old techniques with a modern flair, specializing in bespoke handcrafted pieces. Collaborating with furniture and lighting brands, they create glass designs that are both innovative and steeped in tradition.
Modiano
Modiano has been in the business of playing cards since 1868, making them a staple of Italian craftsmanship. Founded by Saul Modiano, the company produces everything from tarot cards to iconic Trevigiane playing decks, cherished for games like Scopa and Briscola. Their reputation for quality has made Modiano a leader in its field, in Italy and beyond.
