Even under the intense siege of cheap made-in-China plastic masks, authentic artisans like the ones in Atelier Marega continue to stand their ground in preserving the Venetian arts despite of the disadvantages.
Atelier Marega is one of the few shops that continue to handcraft the traditional carnivals that give Venezia her famous identiy. Like typical artisan shops, the masks are relatively pricey with the cheapest ones being more than €20, and that stopped me from purchasing the first time I was in. However, after comparing to few including the most famous Ca' Macana, this shop definitely has the most beautiful masks around, and I actually went back to buy one!
I like Marega's masks the best because they continued to preserve the traditional look but also add a little pazazz such as the music sheets to give a Phantom of Opera vibe. I think this shop's creativity of stepping a little in the modernity while maintaining the tradition allows their masks to stand out from both fellow artisan masks and cheap plastic masks.
Also, at the same price level, Atelier Marega's masks are actually much more ornate than their competitors!
Anyway, support the Venetian artisans! Venezia is not only a sinking city but also a dying one as locals are getting pushed out by cheap imports killing local business and high housing cost making living expensive. With so many beautiful unique masks to choose, Atelier Marega makes supporting this noble cause easy!
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tl;dr version:
1) One of the few remaining authentic Venetian mask makers
2) More beautiful and unique masks I've seen than elsewhere
3) Recommended for your Venetian mask purchase read more