I knew that Iano had a pit of onyx but I had never had info in full. I went to visit Mrs Cinzia at  ”Ticciati Tosco” workshop in Montaione (via Leonardo da Vinci 6/8 Montaione) and I was very impressed.

They produce masterpieces, unique objects using stones from all over the world, malatite, lapislazzolo from Afghanistan, a beautiful red material from Argentina..I saw wonderful objects like vases, tables, necklaces but also small objects like favors.

Mrs Cinzia and her father were very polite and they showed me also the workshop. They explained me that in Italy they find only marble while all the other materials come from South Africa, Congo, Madagascar..I saw a beautiful piano waiting to be covered by malatite..I asked who was the buyer and I was a bit surprise to know that most of their clients come from India, Russia and China. Italian rich people prefer to buy design modern objects and unfortunately they don’t enhance our artisans’ business. I imaged the piano in a great theatre..it was really impressive.

I was very impressed by observing their method to create a flower, a decoration in the stone while filling the design.

The pit in Iano doesn’t exist anymore but they still work and the main problem they have is finding young people willing to do a job so difficult and attentive job.

I let them thinking to the wonderful chessboard the huge vases and iridiscent stones I saw.

I’d like to have a large and elegant living room to set vases like those! The workshop is open for visitors and it really worths a visit!