Rock, Paper Scissors: The Artisans of Florence

A walking tour in the rain to visit the workshops of the Artisans of Florence. It was interesting to watch Masters craft their exquisite work in leather, gold, stone and paper. Featured is the classic ‘peacock feather’ Florentine design just created in a tray of water, ready to be transferred onto paper. A Master Pietra Dura Artisan is cutting stone pieces (extra) to fit together in an intricate bird design on a large table top. Bins of lapis lazuli and malachite mined from Afghanistan and the Congo will shape the blue and green feathers of the bird. The goldsmith and his wife unlocked their shop doors to show us how gold and silver were crafted into precious jewelry. The leather school was a busy hub of activity. Housed in a monastery, each monk cell was devoted to crafting and displaying a different leather craft: jackets, purses, belts. It was interesting to see art in action and was also an unexpected shopping opportunity!