Show. Venetian masks in Tashkent

A mask, the phenomenon of which lies in that it makes a man unrecognizable, is concerned with the pleasure of transformations and an opportunity to try any role on oneself. Surprising metamorphoses occur with its help. The necessity to change, to hide one's face under a "mask" (French - masque, latin - mascus) was born from the desire to transform reality. As opposed to official holidays the carnival triumphed as a temporary release from the existing regime and church dogmas. The carnival is a playing process created by joint efforts of many people. Speaking in the modern language, people create a virtual reality as though they reject their own "I" and agree among themselves: "we are not us anymore, we became someone else".

It was mentioned about the use of masks in Venice for the first time in the document dated on May 2, 1268. Since then the demand for masks gradually increased in Venice, which promoted the creation of many workshops engaged in their manufacturing and sale. By the end of 15th century the profession of a mask-maker was officially registered and was honoured by the townspeople, who during the time of carnival abandoned their businesses and forgetting about all essential problems were indulged in wild revelry.

The most typical Venetian mask is called "bauta". It basically covers the top part of the face and leaves the chin open. In combination with a long black cloak and hood it gives the man some bewitching mystery. The bauta-mask was made with a specially protruded top lip: having hit the clay or leather barrier from within the voice became unrecognizable. Two respectable senators could have come across each other at the doors of a beauty's house, exchange bows and safely not recognize each other. Later the costumes of, for example, a known servant of two Truffaldino masters from Bergamo, an officer, Spaniard and merchant Pantalone appeared. There are also masks-fantasies created from the imagination of artists and most usually historical motives prevail in them.

Today Venetian masks carry out two functions: a means of self-expression during the time of carnival and a souvenir, which the tourists take home after traveling to the fantastic city of Venice. At present you have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Venetian masks in Tashkent. Let's note that 90% of masks are intended for wearing. The remaining part is used for decorating the interior.

You have already met the name of "Lane Style" salon on the pages of our magazine. The salon offers a whole complex of services: tailoring of casual wear and evening attire, laundry services, hairdressers as well as manicure, depilation and body art. The fact that costumes of all participants of the Republican competition "Small princess" and other fashion shows were made in "Lane Style" is evidence of the professionalism of employees.

Recently we found out that real Venetian masks are created in this salon. Employees studied the hairdresser's and mask-maker's skill not just somewhere, but in Venice. Plaster masks are used for decoration while papier-mache masks are special. They are the very masks, which are designed for the face and are made individually. A mould is made form the face of the customer, therefore the mask simply will not suit any other person. There are masks in the salon, which cover the whole face, and there are masks on wooden handles for covering only eyes. A mask is decorated with feathers, beads, golden laces and ribbons.

The masks are hanged out on the salon walls in a large number and create an atmosphere of a kind fairy's palace with their mysterious gold and silver glimmer. A Venetian mask gifted on St. Valentine's Day will turn into a pleasant surprise both for the girl and for the young man. Express the most concealed feelings to your loved man through the Venetian mask. You are a shy lover or admirer and are not able to make deeds like Romeo? Buy a mask and you will feel yourself a different person at once. The mask reflects the entire rainbow of human feelings - it is able to be cunning, sad, to laugh, and, most importantly, to love.