the PFV prize.

SINCE 1909

4TH GENERATION JAPANESE NATURAL LACQUER

Our family business specialises in refining Toxicodendron vernicifluum resin into lacquer urushi. This traditional craft involves coating tableware, artwork, religious artifacts, and architectural structures. Despite a 90% decline in lacquer demand over the last 40 years in Japan, our family has thrived through expertise, high-quality lacquer, and a pivotal role in traditional lacquer making. We've adapted to challenges by developing UV-resistant lacquer, a hallmark of our brand. Refining 70% of Japanese lacquer, some used in restoring national treasures like Nikko Toshogu Shrine, our focus is on environmentally sustainable, traditional lacquer. As a family-owned company, we swiftly adapt to the growing global interest in sustainable, long-lasting, and handmade products.

SINCE 1705 

3RD GENERATION STONE CARVING

Founded by an English mason named John Stevens and specializing in the design and carving of inscriptions in stone for 315 years. Our architectural and memorial lettering is generated by hand with a broad edged brush in the manner of the great Roman inscriptions. Refined and developed for centuries, this standard is based on the practiced work of the hand and eye, directed by a keen grasp of form and aesthetics. Letters are carved by hand in a broad range of materials with hammers, mallets and chisels. Through these methods, graphic and calligraphic designs can be given true sculptural form. The application of computer science is also used in our work in the design and execution of custom graphics and typefaces required by contemporary production. We continue to work with clients whose association with our company is generations old, as well as new clients who propose interesting and innovative applications for our age-old craft.

SINCE 1953

3RD GENERATION MASTER OF SCAGLIOLA

The company begins when Bianco Bianchi, government employee and artist, dedicated 10 years of his free time to study the secrets of an artistic technique that had been lost over time: scagliola (the art of making inlays with a special mix of colored pigments, natural glues and selenite powder). Bianco left his job and devoted himself to producing new works of his own and collecting and restoring period pieces (the Bianco Bianchi collection is the most important in existence). His children, who inherited his passion, continue, with the help of a few skilled artisans, to produce masterpieces with the same antique technique. They work with decorators and architects creating interior decorations and a wide range of scagliola to insert in antique and modern interior design. Unique pieces such as tables, panels and gift items that end up in some of the most beautiful houses in the world.

JAPAN SINCE 1688

12TH GENERATION KIMONO TEXTILE COMPANY

HOSOO was founded in the "Nishijin" area in the North of Kyoto City as a weaver purveying to prominent temples. Since then, over 12 generations, the family business of Nishijin-ori weaving, making one of Japan's representative textiles, has been passed down from generation to generation. Nishijin textile, Kyoto' s pre-dyed yarn textile, has been nurtured since 1200 years ago with the support of imperial nobles, the samurai class, and wealthy merchants. Today, HOSOO combines traditional Nishijin textile techniques for Obi and kimono that it has inherited with innovative techniques and a timeless design sensibility to create one-of-a-kind textiles and offer them to the luxury markets in Japan and abroad.

SINCE 1924

4TH GENERATION CARTOGRAPHER

Cartografica Visceglia was founded in Rome by Vincenzo Visceglia, who turned a passion into a family business. "Great love for terrestrial physics and therefore for geographical maps" is what he wrote in 1942 to motivate the launch of the company. A family business driven by a passion for geographical maps. Initially traditional, the company transitioned to computerized cartography in the 1990s. Today, it produces maps for diverse clients, including the film industry, and creates furnishing components. Recognized for its contributions, a street in Rome was dedicated to the founder in 1989, and in 2016, the Rome Municipality acknowledged Cartografica Visceglia as a"Historical Activity of Excellence." The Italian Culture Ministry declared the Visceglia Archive of "particularly important historical interest" in 2015.