Abalone Shell Tile

This Abalone Shell Tile offers a beautiful and unique design for your home decor. Made from high-quality abalone shells, it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Its natural iridescence and durability make it a great choice for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Enhance your interior with this stunning and sustainable addition.

The Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary: Giulio Aquini’s Craftsmanship

In the ever-changing world of design, camp style is often seen as just a fleeting trend. However, the real challenge lies in balancing tradition with modernity, a key to true innovation.

Many of Davide-Giulio Aquini’s works are born amid the rhythmic hum of machinery, in workshops brimming with materials and skilled artisans. As a designer from Venice, his deep-rooted passion for traditional craftsmanship is as intrinsic to him as the blood in his veins.

Venetian Craftsmanship: A Legacy of Materials and Techniques

The essence of traditional craftsmanship lies in its materials and techniques. Venice, with its rich artistic heritage, provides abundant resources such as marble, abalone shell tiles, wood, ceramics, and glass. The presence of numerous local studios ensures that these materials remain readily available.

"Marble workers, potters, carpenters, and glass artisans are always eager to share their knowledge of materials and techniques. They are the true inspiration behind my creative process. It’s difficult to separate 'me' from 'us' because my work is the result of collective effort—this is the greatest value of my creations." — Giulio Aquini

The "Dark Ages" Series: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

In his "Dark Ages" series, Aquini revives an ancient material—lapis specularis, a translucent gypsum once used as a glass substitute before the Middle Ages. This unique material was traditionally used for windows and interior elements, adding a historical depth to his work.

One striking example is the "Dark Age" table, where black resin forms the foundation, while a large area of lapis lazuli is inlaid on the surface, resembling an intricately arranged marble floor. The result is a stunning play of light, reminiscent of Gothic stained-glass windows. Meanwhile, the metal supports of the table’s legs, designed with a strict rationalist approach, introduce clean geometric forms that contrast sharply with the raw, textured appearance of the tabletop.

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

Aquini’s work exemplifies the seamless fusion of historical craftsmanship with contemporary design, proving that true innovation emerges not from abandoning tradition, but from reinterpreting it in modern contexts.