A stellar fusion of creativity and exceptional craft, Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta’s latest initiative continues to appreciate small artisanal workshops across the world. It’s in the very name: ‘bottega’ translates to workshops where small runs of exquisite items are fashioned, entirely handmade. Renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious workshops, the house is committed to welcoming fellow skilled artisans into the limelight. Bottega for Bottegas is the platform where the art of slow craft shines.
Annually taking place during the holiday season, the first instalment of this series featured 12 home-sown workshops, from papermaker Amatruda to Tuscan gin producer Ginepraio. The second instalment shifted its gaze outwards, featuring 14 bottegas around the world that drew influence from Italian culture. These included an olive oil maker from China and a pastry bakery from Japan.
This December, Bottega for Bottegas pays homage to four craft masters whose works embody imagination and collective inspiration.
Cheng Tsu Feng
With an earnest passion for traditional craft culture, Taiwanese artist Cheng Tsu Feng dedicates most of his time to exploring and preserving forgotten art techniques. He then inherits all that he has learned, utilising them to create an array of art works. His masterpieces are imbued with tradition and come in various forms and sizes such as installations, furniture and sculptures.
Liu Wenhui
A connoisseur of Chinese woodwork, Liu Wenhui, has spent over a decade developing unique toy blocks using his mortise-and-tenon skills. The artist then promotes these specially crafted toys, hoping to shed light on the Chinese architecture-inspired woodwork structure.
Kitai Rhee
Third-generation kitemaker Kitai Rhee is the last standing bottega in Korea which sustains the knowledge and creation of traditional Bangpae Yeons. These ancient Korean kites are built using bamboo sticks and a specific Korean paper called hanji. The expert craftsman also helms the self-founded Kitai Rhee Kite Preservation Association. Here, Rhee conducts kitemaking workshops, preserving the craftmanship of the stunning Bangpae Yeons.
MODIANO
Heritage Italian bottega MODIANO specialises in the design and production of playing cards, tarot cards and other similar paper products. A symbol of finesse, MODIANO has contributed extensively to its craft both locally and abroad since its inception in 1868. Specially fabricated for as part of a Bottega Veneta set, an exclusive leather envelope is offered with the set.
Photos by Bottega Veneta.