The master's touch: essential elements of artisanal excellence

Abstract

"This publication ... represents a significant step forward in devising a structured methodological approach to assessing excellence in the artistic crafts. By examining and comparing Italian and European legislation and regulations governing craft production, the authors were able to identify a number of recurring concept-terms underpinning craft excellence.These were then narrowed down to a list of 11 criteria: those directly related to the artisan's skill (competence, creativity, interpretation, talent, training); those regarding relational and territorial aspects (territory, tradition); and those concerned with the product itself (authenticity, craftsmanship, innovation, originality). Interviews with leading master artisans from different European countries and influential experts in the field of the artistic crafts, backed up by a nationwide survey to gauge the views of the wider Italian population, helped to confirm the validity of the matrix and the classification system that emerged from this process ... The proposed assessment matrix not only serves as a new tool to aid our understanding and assessment of excellence, but also offers invaluable support to those who aspire to achieve that excellence."--Front cover flap.

Contents

Preface / by Barbara Geary Truan -- Foreword / by Stefano Micelli -- The master's touch. From an idea to its realization: artisanal work and Italian excellence / by Alberto Cavalli -- Legal aspects: attributions, competent bodies and comparisons / by Alberto Cavalli, Giuditta Comerci, Giovanna Marchello -- Craft excellence: reflections on definitions / by Alberto Cavalli, Giuditta Comerci, Giovanna Marchello -- Perceptions of the artistic crafts in Italy: a quantitative survey / by Alberto Cavalli -- Master artisans in Milan and Lombardy / by Alberto Cavalli ; interviews by Giovanna Marchello -- Assessing excellence: working tools / by Alberto Cavalli, Giuditta Comerci, Giovanna Marchello -- Conclusions: protect, promote, progress / by Franco Cologni -- Epilogue. Expanding the vision of excellence / by Alberto Cavalli ; interviews by Giovanna Marchello.