Handicraft

Handicraft

The art of bobbin lace, a popular and very ancient activity, experienced its greatest splendor in Offida between 400 and 500, thanks to the strong demand ...

THE LACES OF OFFIDA

The lace pillow, a popular and ancient art, have had its maximum importance in Offida, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, between the 1400 and 1500, thanks to the request of lace for a liturgical use; nowadays they are preserved in the monasteries in the area. The birth of the lace pillow art is due to the need of adding to dresses and linen something that had an artistic value and an aesthetic aim, to make them more precious and appealing. Still now the art of the lace pillow is handed down from mother to daughter and the tradition continues, because it is really important for the women that live in Offida, who are proud to feel artists. Today the artisans in Offida make above all doilies, tablecloths, bedspread and napkins: objects whose purpose is only an excuse to exhibit a refined art.

WROUGHT COPPER

In Abruzzo, the significant presence of copper smiths is due to the centuries-long settlement, along the Adriatic coast, of a strong community of Roma, who are highly skilled in this craft. Today, although industrial processes have largely replaced traditional methods, it is still possible to find artisans who continue to produce basins, pans, braziers, planters and vases by hand. The copper is worked using the ‘embossing technique’, taking on the appearance of an ancient bas-relief. The ancient origins of this craft find their greatest expression above all in the copper bowl with ladle, one of the best-known items of copper craftsmanship and a true symbol of Abruzzo throughout the world. Today, artisan workshops focus their production on household items, such as frying pans, cake moulds and decorative objects.

LEATHER ENGRAVER

Since the dawn of time, man has used the skins of the animals he hunted to improve his precarious living conditions. From the Etruscans to the Romans, and through the Middle Ages, leatherworking enjoyed periods of great significance. Engravers were regarded as craftsmen closely akin to artists; indeed, some designs were drawn directly from famous sculptures and renowned murals. The engravers then created their own works of art, much admired by the local lords of the time, who also saw finely crafted leather as a symbol of power and wealth. In Abruzzo, the Savini brothers’ workshop is famous, having exported their works all over the world. One of these is on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

THE "PRESENTOSA"'S GOLDSMITHS

Between '200 and '500, the gold craft was very important for all the Abruzzo. A real treasure is instead preserved into the churches one can find all over the Region. The emblem of the goldsmith art in Abruzzo is still nowadays the typical "Presentosa" from Scanno. It is an engagement filagree brooch that means the love for the women of this area: that is why in the middle there are two braided silver hearts that are framed by little gold hearts. Known are also the "Sciacquajje", typical earrings, made between Lanciano and the Majella. The goldsmiths' ateliers are common in all the Region, but Scanno, Pescocostanzo and Guardiagrele are the most important cities.