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The wide variety of local handcrafted products are of such high quality that over time they have begun to be sold in other areas. Local craftsmen have always been very good at working with the raw materials available locally or which were brought by the many ships which trafficked the area’s maritime routes. Many types of important handiwork are still carried out according to typical methods, such as the velvet in Zoagli, the slate in the Val Fontanabuona, the chairs in Chiavari, the lace in Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. |
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Silk and Velvet of Zoagli The art of weaving silk and velvet in Zoagli dates back to the Medieval. This activity was developed starting in the 1500s and the weavers of Zoagli gradually became masters in the production of very refined plain and damask velvets. At least 1200 looms were at work in Zoagli in the 1800s. Today this art is still practiced by two shops in the town, where visitors can view the velvets and damasks produced on the original looms of the 1800s and purchase very high quality silk and velvet. |
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Damasks of Lorsica In the town of Lorsica, located in the Fontanabuona Valley, in the hinterland of Portofino Coast, the antique art of damask production still thrives. The production of this precious fabric is carried out on antique looms and the two sides of the fabric still bear the same designs as long ago. The fine consistency of the work and the complexity of the design which recalls old patterns make these products particularly precious. |
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Pillow Lace The craft of making traditional pillow lace is typically found in the small cities of the Tigullio coast, where it was popular in the 16th century. This particular type of handiwork is performed by weaving the threads held taut on bobbins (called “caviggae” in dialect) into a pattern marked on the pillow, called the "ballun" due to its round shape. The lace-workers rest the pillow on their knees and a sheet of parchment paper with holes outlining the design is placed over the pillow. Pins stuck through the paper into the pillow guide the threads, which are woven into beautiful lace patterns. An extraordinary collection of pillow lace in on display at the Rapallo lace museum located in Villa Tigullio. |
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Macrame' The name "macramé" is of Arab origin and it applies to the craft of producing linens (tablecloths, towels, clothing accessories) with long fringes made from the same threads of the fabric, braided and worked with a series of knots into elegant patterns. This art was introduced to Liguria in the 1300s by sailors returning from their voyages, especially to the area of Chiavari, where they taught their women how to braid the fringes, a practice that requires both patience and skill. Chiavari’s famous macramé is made using this method which requires the use of a special frame which holds the fabric in place while it is being worked on. |
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Slate Slate, the precious black stone, is the symbol of Liguria. The main reserves of slate are found in the Fontanabuona valley, where there are still many open mines, craftsmen and small industries that work the stone. Authentic slate can be split perfectly into very thin pieces, thanks to the expert skill of the "spacchino", or slate splitter. Slate is used in several ways, for construction, for the production of billiard tables, furnishings and various articles. There is an living eco-museum in the Fontanabuona valley, including several locations and itineraries, which explains the history of slate production though tours of the mines, museums and related excursions. |
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Chiavari Chairs The chairs of Chiavari, called "Campanino", are recognized by their slender, rounded shape which respects the natural curves of the wood. They are exceptionally light, due to the type of wood used (originally maple, though today cherry and beech are used). The chairs are also particularly strong thanks to the particular assembly technique, whereby the pieces are fit and glued together using a hot glue. The cane seats are woven directly onto the chairs using 4 strips of willow bark. This work is always performed by hand. The Campanino chairs, whose name comes from the person who invented the idea in the early 1800s, are also very popular abroad and are still produced in various small workshops. |
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