Paolo Carandini

Etui and case maker

Precious inside and out

Paolo is inspired by art, literature and his native Florence
His boxes are custom made, covered and lined in parchment
He uses his grandfather's archive of animal and botanical drawings as inspiration

Paolo Carandini crafts boxes that are as precious as the objects and memories they hold. Born and raised in Florence, he started as an apprentice at a bookbinder atelier, working exclusively with leather until 2008. At that point, Paolo turned to box-making, choosing parchment instead of leather as his main material. The ancient material of parchment is altogether precious and versatile, and enhances custom-made boxes. Paolo's workshop and shop is a treasure trove, where objects and memories find a unique haven. Boxes are handmade from wood by Paolo, who then applies a paper image and goat or kid parchment. This is a painstaking process that creates a dream-like effect. Working on bespoke commissions, the artisan has achieved a solid reputation, in Italy and abroad.

Interview

Is it correct to say that you started almost by chance?: My journey with craft all started as a summer job after graduating from high school. I worked in one of the most famous leather goods binding factories here in Florence. It was there that I learnt several working techniques, as well as discipline – lessons that have been my companions ever since.
How do you express innovation and tradition in your work?: The format of my boxes almost always respects the Golden Ratio. Innovation comes from my inspiration and creative inputs. I choose the images and then apply the parchment accordingly. Each box is one-of-a-kind.
What are your sources of inspiration?: As I find myself making themed boxes with images, sources of inspiration are multiple. My native Florence with its heritage is one, for sure, along with literature, art, and the work of my grandfather who was an animal painter and a sculptor. I own his archive and use it for my creations.
Do you have a notable memory related to your craft?: I was once invited out to lunch by an American client. I did not know her, but I found myself listening to her story about moments of her life that she held very dear. She wanted me to make her a box that would bring back those memories and feelings.

Paolo Carandini is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1991