Mask quality check
Tell the tool what you paid, the construction material, and the decoration. It returns the authenticity tier and recommended use.
What this solves
Venice has both artisan mask ateliers and Chinese factory imports. The same mask — say, a Volto or Bauta — sells at €5 in a tourist stall or €150 at a Tragicomica-class artisan. The differences are material (papier-mâché vs resin), decoration (hand-painted gold leaf vs spray paint), and time spent per mask (50+ hours for an artisan piece). This tool scores your mask on the visual and price cues.
How to read the result
"Authenticity tier" tells you where the mask sits in the four bands: factory imported, festival-wall, made-to-measure artisan, heirloom collector. "Recommended use" is what the mask will tolerate — wall display, Carnevale costume, or functional collector piece.
At €5-€10, the mask is almost certainly factory-imported (often from China). The face won't survive a single Carnevale night. At €150+ from a listed atelier, the artisan has made it by hand and it can be passed down.
Limitations
FAQ
Where is the artisan list?
The Venice Mask Association (Associazione Mascherai) maintains a list of traditional ateliers. Tragicomica, Ca' Macana, and Atelier dei Segni are well-known examples.
How do I store a papier-mâché mask?
Away from humidity and direct sun. A box, in a closet, is the right order.
Can I wear it at the airport?
Yes — Venetian masks are art objects. Security might ask you to remove it briefly.