A mask can only be called a Venetian mask if it was actually crafted in Venice by one of its maschareri, in much the same way as Champagne can only be called that if it comes from the champagne region of France.
Venetian masks are rafted using ancient techniques to create superior masks that can always be told apart from cheaper mass produced masquerade masks
Traditionally Venetian mask makers were known as the maschareri and their trade as the arte de maschereri. These unique mask makers can trace the history of their art back many centuries, their masks being an integral part of the Carnival and the commedia del'arte. Their craft slowly died out until it was revived during the 1980’s by Venetian Architecture Students led by Mario Belloni .
Now mask making is a thriving business in Venice with a handful of very talented mask makers leading the way.
