There are many typical Italian products Italy is famous for such as pizza, gelato, shoes, oil, wine, etc. However, there are also some typical Italian products that are completely unknown to the majority of people, even Italian people. I think one of these products is Puncetto Valsesiano.
So, let’s see what this Italian product is and why is probably unknown to many people.
What is it?
The word puncetto comes from the Piedmontese dialect “punc” that means stitch. “Punc” combined with the suffix “etto” mean small stitch.
Puncetto is a typical needle lace that is made using only thread and needle. To make the lace women, with a lot of patience and ability, create and join together thousands of small knots and the result are beautiful geometrical patterns. It’s mainly applied to handkerchiefs, doilies, curtains, sheets, and tablecloth. However, in the past it was also applied to traditional customs of Valsesia.
When was puncetto born?
No one knows exactly when puncetto was created for the first time. However, we know that it dates back at least to 1685. Indeed, the oldest document mentioning puncetto, ponchietto at the time, is a notarial deed that states that a handkerchief adorned with puncetto was part of a lady’s dowry.
Where’s puncetto famous?
Puncetto spread in the areas of the upper Valsesia, in particular in Mastallone valley, in the Vogna valley and in the towns of Varallo, Fobello, Riva Valdobbia, Carcoforo and Cervatto.
For many years the art of puncetto was handed down only within the family by the elderly and, for this very reason, the existence of puncetto was unknown to the rest of Italy.
However, during the 19th century, puncetto achieved a certain fame thanks to Queen Margherita of Savoy, who loved the peculiarity of this special embroidery.
Despite this, after the second World War, puncetto lost its appeal and it’s now known only in the areas where it originated.
Because of this, some local administrators decided to establish a School of puncetto valsesiano. In this way they could prevent this special art to disappear. Only few teachers listed in a special register can teach in the school.
Moreover, the trademark Puncetto Valsesiano was registered and a special Certificate of guarantee was created for those works that are carried out according to tradition.
If you are interested to know how women embroider puncetto and how the result is, have a look at the two videos below:
Did you know that Puncetto Valsesiano was one of the many typical Italian products?
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Credits
Original image by PublicDomainPictures
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