Buying masks in Venice

BG, for more specific info I would recommend going to the Venice forum at tripadvisor and search for "masks" in the little search box - there have been several discussions of it where local experts have given the names/addresses of their favorite authentic shops where they discuss prices etc. But based on those discussions it sounds like the prices range anywhere from 20-30euros for the minimums and 100+ and higher - these are of course for the authentic Venice-made ones. Tell your colleague to be careful of the cheaper imports!

We were in Venice photographing the first week in May. There are so many mask shops you would not believe it. You can tell the cheap knock offs from the handpainted. We purchased very nice ones for ourselves and friends ranging from 50 euros to 2oo euros. My husband found some little ones that were original for only 20 euros.We purchased from 2 places. Here is one:Alberto Sarria Masks-here is his website-www.masksvenice.com. Jane

Very helpful information - thanks a lot!

I was asked to bring back a mask for a young girl and found it one of the most difficult things to do. There are so many shops it's ridiculous. I ended up just going into a shop I liked the look of and buying one. I paid 40 Euros for it and it came with a certificate saying it was made by a genuine artisian. It was a nightmare to get back - long stick, feathers etc but it arrived home safe and sound and was a great hit. Prices will vary but from what I remember you should be able to get something nice for 40 - 60 Euros. The ones on the street are cheap and look it.

I have been there several times and have bought a couple of masks. i would recommend this place.

http://www.ilgattomatto.com/english/index.html This place is authentic. Reasonable priced. You could email him and get an address/map. We bought a fairly simple one (but beautiful) from this guy a few weeks I don't remember the price but I would guess it was under 40 euro.

There are many masks shops but most are made in Hong Kong, beware.

When you buy masks, how do you get them home without damaging them? Do you mail them?

Great info from everyone. I wish I would have had the info from Jody when we were in Italy last week. Most of the mask shops are junk. It pays to do your homework while here so you can make the most of your time. Has anyone ordered a mask once home and had it shipped?

DW. I bought mine back as hand luggage. When I bought it I explained I had to get it back to Australia and she packed it really well in bubble wrap. I was still very nervous about it arriving in one piece but it did - stick, feathers and all. I had no problem with carrying it on the plane even though technically it was an extra piece of hand luggage. I thought it best to bring it back with me rather than post.

This info is very helpful! Unfortunately, Venice is at the beginning of my trip. If I get one of the smaller masks, I can carry it with me, but I'm also worried about carrying stuff like that around for the remaining 2 weeks of the trip. Has anyone successfully had a store ship masks back to the States? Any recommended stores that are great about that? Thanks!

No experience with shipping to US but I am sure all the shops would have some service. Sales of masks is their business and I'm sure they would do anything to help make a sale. I know when I have been in Florence they routinely ask if you want shipping. Beware it may be quite expensive though.