Punto in aria

Techniques

Refined Venetian lace
Burano is one of the lagoon islands in the bay near Venice, originally a fishing village. While the men spent their time on the water fishing, the women created their own source of income in the sixteenth century by making high quality lace. This refined lace, which was known as punto in aria – 'stitches in the air' – eventually became a better export product than fish and was popular throughout Europe. None other than Leonardo da Vinci was a huge fan. He bought lace from the island and used it in his works, including in the altar of the Duomo in Milan. Nowadays authentic lace from Burano is a rarity. There are only a few places where you can see the women lacemaking. One of the best places to visit is the lace school, the Museo del Merletto.

 

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