Venetian Masks to Suit Every Taste

Intriguing and beautiful, Venetian masks can hide your identity while alluring and interesting viewers. They are used all over the world at masquerade balls, Halloween parties, prom events, May balls and other celebrations to introduce a fun element. A wide array of masks can be seen on the streets of Venice during the annual carnival. There are innumerable types which can range from the demure plain white eye masks to the more flamboyant, colorful and elaborately decorated ones.

Venetian masks come in a variety of colours and in various shapes and sizes to suit individual tastes. They can be made of acrylic, leather, porcelain, leather and hordes of other materials. Originally, they served symbolic or practical purposes and were quite simply designed. Nowadays, they aredecorated with gems, feathers, silver and gold metallic sheets, beads and lots more. Often designer masks are hand-painted to give a unique appearance. In effect, as far as planning artistic masks is concerned, the sky is the limit.

You could go in for handmade Venetian masks created with plaster and paper mache using techniques that vary with individual makers. Some mask styles are inspired by nature while others make use of animal prints. Masks made using eco-friendly materials are appreciated by collectors who like to know that their purchases help save planet Earth. Natural materials like corals, sea shells, leaves, flowers and rootsto name a few, help the creations come alive. Some clients instruct makers to use special themes while creating handmade masks. You can even get masks colour-customized to match your costume or outfit.

Velvet Venetian Masks are quite popular and probably the most fanciful ones. Because velvet is a soft and luxurious fabric, it is suitable for all skin types. Since these masks are gentle and comfortable to use, they are a big hit with the ladies.

Masks made of velvet often include traditional Venetian mask styles along with some unique features which give them a striking appearance. An eye mask made of velvet with animal prints or plain black velvet decorated with sequins, feathers and beadscan make a great accessory for a Halloween fancy dress costume.When feathers are added to a velvet mask, you can be sure to get a really royal look.

“Moretta” is a traditional Venetian mask made from velvet. In ancient times, this mask was worn throughout the year by the women of Venice. This oval mask made from black velvet is often worn by women when they visit convents. It is said to bring out the true beauty of feminine features. A veil is added to lend an air of quiet mystery to the wearer.

You can do lots more with your mask than simply wearing it and keeping it safe in a box for the next Halloween party. Hang it on your wall for an artistic ambience ormake a pretty decoration by standing it on a table and putting a candle behind it. Maybe your friends will love a pretty mask as a gift too!

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Intriguing Venetian Masks for Women

Venice is a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque canals, the famous Carnival and its amazing Italian culture. No carnival is complete without vibrant and colorful Venetian masks. These come in unlimited shapes, sizes and textures to suit every requirement.

Some masks are specially made keeping women in mind. Venetian masks for women generally have a more delicate appearance and are often made of metal filigree and lace. Some other specialised masks for women are Eye Masks, Nose & Phantom Masks, Stick Masks and Feather Masks.

The bauta is a mask which is a traditional weird piece of artwork characterized by a prominent nose, a chin jutting out and no mouth. The chin is like a beak and the wearer can speak, drink and eat through it. The bauta is often worn with a black or red cape and a three cornered hat. Usually males wear the bauta, but many paintings from the 18th century also display women wearing this mask coupled with a tricorn hat.

The Columbina, also known as a Columbino is a half-mask, which covers only the wearer's upper cheeks, eyes and nose. It is a modern creation for women and is very often decorated with crystals, gold, silver and feathers. It is held in front of the face by a baton or can be tied with ribbons like most other Venetian masks. The Columbina mask is named after a stock character Columbina, a maidservant who was part of Italian theatre for generations. It has been said that this mask was specially designed for a beautiful actress who did not want to cover her face completely. While both women and men now use this mask, it began as a woman's answer to the bauta.

The participants at a masquerade ball attend wearing various types of costumes. Masquerade masks are used during these balls to conceal the identity of the wearers. Wearing a mask often indicates you do not even know who you are dancing with, and the ball is almost a game of “guess who” where people try to figure out the identities of others. Often suitors attempt to steal a kiss from a lady who has caught their eye. Masquerade masks are generally made out of paper mache, but in the olden days, animal hides like pig skins were used.

Masquerade masks for women come in all colors and styles. Women generally prefer to select a mask of a color which matches the dress they plan to wear. Styles include feathered masks, masks with handles, masks with animal prints and more. Women like to ensure they get the appropriate mask that fits their mood and dress style. Other Venetian masks for women include those with ostrich feathers, elaborately painted ones, glittered masks as well as simpler unadorned papier mache or Vinyl masks.

Events that use Venice as the theme often use masks as sale items and decoration pieces. You can use Venetian masks at parties to organize a colorful Italian experience for your guests.

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Feather Up for Some Feather Mask Fun!

Venetian masks come in various shapes, colours and style. They often have quite dazzling designs and decorations. Of course, there are some toned down ones too for people with simpler preferences. Though masks were used to hide the wearer’s identity in ancient times, nowadays they’re use more for pleasure and to bring life to parties and other celebratory events.

Masks range from the full face ones, to the ones that partially cover the face, to ones covering the eyes only. The possibilities are endless. Innumerable designs and styles are available in each category. Options offered include plain black, gold or silver macrem, white deco and many more. Masks can be scary enough to be used at Halloween parties as well as dignified enough for events like masquerade balls.

A mask popular with people who prefer a slightly flashy appearance is the full face feather mask. Such masks can be truly creations of art. They can give an impression of mystery, romance, intrigue and secrecy all at once. Now isn’t that something! The feathers of different birds such as ostriches, peacocks, turkeys and even eagles are used. Artificial fibres are sometimes used to create a colourful feathery appearance. Some styles have multi-coloured fans along with feathers to give the masks a more unique appearance.

Full face feather masks sometimes have artistically painted faces, complete with delicate features, curvy lips and well-proportioned eye holes. The face is beautifully framed by feathers which give the appearance of a wig. The upper part of the mask may be covered by a small glittering silver or gold eye mask. This gives an appearance of two masks in one and it’ll be hard to resist picking up something like this.

Some masks are fully handmade and make you look almost regal. So if you want to look like a price, princess or even a Red Indian, full face feather masks are just the thing for you. These masks are so detailed and elaborate; you may not even recognize the face looking back at you in the mirror! 

Masquerade balls, Prom Parties, May Balls and many such events offer a great change to enjoy using state-of-the-art masks. A popular theme for these parties is ‘Black & White’. If you’ve received an invite to such a do, you have a great chance to go in for pretty white masks or masks with a combination of black and white adornments. White masquerade masks are a big hit with people of all ages. Plain white leather masks are a good idea if you want a ghostly or phantom like appearance.

Venetian masks symbolize intrigue and beauty. In addition to being worn at various events, they can be used as wall hangings and decoration pieces to add a rich look to the décor of homes, offices, hotels and other places needing a beautiful ambience.

A well-crafted Venetian mask that has been exquisitely designed is an asset you’ll want to preserve for a lifetime. These masks can be passed down the years as heirlooms and treasured by many generations.

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Keep your Identity Anonymous with a Venetian Mask

Venetian masks have been traditionally used in Venice for many years. They were mainly worn during the Carnival of Venice, though now they’re used on many other occasions too. These could range from fun parties to romantic purposes where identities need to be kept a secret. Sometimes masks are used by elements wishing to remain anonymous in their private activities.

These masks can be made of porcelain, leather, acrylic and many other materials. Originally, they were designed quite simply without too many decorations. Most often, they served some practical or symbolic function. Nowadays, a large number of masks are hand-painted and natural feathers and gems are used for adornment. Some are created using leaves of fine golden sheets. In fact, the sky is the limit as far as decorations are concerned.

Venetian masks come in various shapes, sizes and in a variety of colours to suit individual preferences. Some can be perched daintily on your head so as to cover only a part of your face so as to offer just a suggestion of suspense. Others can cover your entire head including the back of your head as well as your complete face keeping your identity completely incognito.

Full Face Venetian Masks

These masks are classical ones that you will relate to instantly. They have been used in the theatrical arts to represent both tragic and comic characters. These masks leave a lot to a viewer’s imagination and allow complete anonymity. They allow the wearer to act in a free manner, especially in cases where he wishes to interact with members of society who are outside bounds as per everyday conventions.

Full face masks are quite comfortable when worn and are often used at Halloween parties. If the wearer wishes to appear a bit shady, he can couple the mask with a three cornered hat. The addition of a dark cloak can add an aura of mystery and make the attire complete.

There are various names given to the categories of full face masks. Some of them are "Larva" meaning “Ghost””, "Volto" meaning "Face" and the most well-known is the "Pierrot" which indicates a simple-minded and honest servant.

Full face masks are often decorated with different types of jewels and fabrics decorated with silver or gold strings. The inclusion of colourful silk ribbons to hold them in place adds to their attraction. You can choose from a variety of designs and colour schemes. Masks can be enamel-covered, glossy black with white, silver or gold trimmings made of silver or gold macramé, the list is endless… You’ll be spellbound by full-faced feather masks having bright feathers of all colours of the rainbow surrounding the mask face. Some masks offer a ferocious facade with bright red, maroon or tan tiger masks.

For those who do not like wearing something heavy, there’s an option of going in for lightweight masks made using the ancient technique of papier-mâché.  Layers of paper and plaster result is a lightweight base that contours the wearer’s face and soft velvet lining provides comfort on the inner side.

 

In addition to being worn for fun purposes, masks are often used as exquisite ornaments and wall adornments. So if you want to gift a friend with something, unique, you now have a new option!

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Be the Show Stopper with a Venetian Mask

In ancient times, Venetian masks were used to protect the wearer’s identity in the city of Venice. Nowadays Venetian masks are mainly used at parties and during carnivals around the world. People enjoy real fun times wearing all types of crazy masks.

Normally, the base of a mask is made out of clay. Masks can also be made from papier-mâché, layered over with plaster to give a firm feel. They are designed using vibrant coloured sequins and feathers and a variety of other decorations.

Types of Venetian Masks

You’ll find a wide array of Venetian Masks types. The Bauta is a traditional mask which is quite grotesque looking. It includes a long, prominent nose, a jutting out chin and no mouth. The wearer can use the beak like chin to speak, eat and drink. This mask is normally worn with a dark red or black cape and a tri-cornered hat.

The Columbina, essentially a mask for women, is a half-mask covering the wearer's upper cheeks, nose and eyes. This creation is often decorated with feathers, crystals, gold and silver. It can be tied with ribbons like most other Venetian masks or held in front of the face by a baton.

Harlequin masks normally have large, hooked noses and have patterns of white and black checkered diamonds on them including bright painted lips.

The Medico della peste mask or Plague Doctor mask has a long beak and is one of the most unusual and easily recognizable Venetian masks. Interestingly, it was not created as a carnival mask, but as a method of preventing disease from spreading. The mask is normally white with a hollow beak and eyeholes covered with round crystal discs which create a bespectacled appearance. Those who wear this mask sometimes also wear the associated clothing of a doctor.

The Jolly Venetian Mask depicts a joker and covers either the full face or half of it. The mask includes curly hair and a bell much like the quintessential circus clown. It has a slightly more aesthetic design than a clown’s face which includes colourful materials that normally adorn carnival masks.

The Cat Venetian Mask, also known as the gatto mask, looks much like the face of a cat with small ears at the top. This mask covers the top half of the face, leaving the mouth and tip of the nose exposed. This mask can introduce a fun element to a party and is quite effective in hiding the identity of the wearer.

Venetian Masquerade Masks

There are various types of Venetian masquerade masks that you can go in for if you want to be the centre of attraction at a masquerade ball or party. Half masks adorned with bejewelled butterflies, crystals and graceful feathers in numerous shades are a hit with the ladies. Other petite masks specially designed to show a greater area of the face offer additional options.

If you’re looking for majestic flair, you could go in for Baroque eye masks. These normally consist of soft form bases and can be made resplendent with gold and silver filigree. Some exclusive designs make use of fine beads, metalwork, embroidery and sequins for a truly sparkling finish.

Using such masks, you’re sure to make a great impression whether it’s a Venetian masquerade ball, a ladies night, a fancy dress party or any other event. The red carpet welcomes you……

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