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© Atelier GK
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© All rights reserved
© All rights reserved

Lapo Giannini & Michiko Kuwata

  • Atelier GK
  • Bookbinder
  • Florence, Italy
  • Master Artisan
Lapo Giannini & Michiko Kuwata Bookbinder
Contact
Italian, English, Japanese
Hours:
Monday to Saturday 10:30 - 13:00 / 16:30 - 19:00
Phone:
+39 0555321525
© Atelier GK

A love story crafted on the page

  • • Lapo and Michiko fell in love with books – and then each other
  • • Lapo is one of a long line of Florentine artistic bookbinders
  • • Paper marbling was introduced to Florence by Lapo’s grandfather

The story of Atelier GK is one of intersecting passions. A passion for binding and restoring books led Lapo Giannini and Michiko Kuwata to work in the same workshop in Florence, then their passion for each other led them to independence. In 2010, the couple decided to open their own studio in Florence, creating artistic paper and leather products that reflect both east and west. “We never lose sight of the future, but we must always remember that our craft is very much tied to tradition,” they say. “We like to experiment, for example using unusual raw materials, like carbon fibre, which we like to mix with the most precious leather.”

Read the full interview

Works

  • © Atelier GK
  • © Atelier GK
  • © Atelier GK
  • © Atelier GK
  • © Atelier GK
Photo: © Atelier GK
Leather jewellery box with brass frog

This bespoke wooden box was handcrafted in Tuscany and the brass frog in Florence. The exterior of the wooden box is covered with vegetable-tanned Tuscan calfskin and the interior is lined with natural-tanned Tuscan split suede, with foam pad insert.

Length 15 cm
Width 15 cm
Height 7.5 cm

Photo: © Atelier GK
Leather box with brass toucan

The exterior of this bespoke handmade wooden box, which can be used to store jewellery or other valuables, is covered in dark-green vegetable-tanned Tuscan calfskin and the interior is lined with natural-tanned Tuscan split suede. A brass toucan sits atop the lid.

Length 10.5 cm
Width 10.5 cm
Height 17 cm

Photo: © Atelier GK
Leather jewellery box

The burgundy exterior of this bespoke handmade wooden box is covered with vegetable-tanned Tuscan calfskin and the red interior is lined with natural-tanned Tuscan suede, with foam pad insert. The fittings are in brass.

Length 18 cm
Width 8.5 cm
Height 5 cm

Photo: © Atelier GK
Marbled photo frame

The wooden structure and cardboard windows of this bespoke photo frame are covered with hand-marbled acid-free paper. The interior and exterior spine is covered with vegetable-tanned Tuscan calfskin. The frame is fitted with ribbon handles for installation and removal. Small magnets inserted into the wooden structure ensure it closes properly.

Photo: © Atelier GK
Leather beauty case

The structure of this bespoke beauty case was handmade in wood. The exterior is covered with vegetable-tanned Tuscan calfskin and Tuscan suede and the interior is lined with hand-marbled paper. A framed mirror is set into the lid of the box, the top of which is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, with leather inlays and gold tooling.

Enjoy an experience with Lapo Giannini & Michiko Kuwata

Find Lapo Giannini & Michiko Kuwata in the itinerary

Florence: in the light of the Renaissance
10 locations
In the historic city of Florence immerse yourself in craftsmanship that dates as far back as the Renaissance. Follow our recommendations to explore contemporary Florentine craftspeople who are safeguarding centuries-old traditions.
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