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KOOCH
Calle dei Saoneri, 2727, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
+39 041 571 2172
This San Polo boutique (the name means “migration”) showcases the works of some 60 Iranian artisans, from ceramicists and textile makers to glassblowers and painters. “Iran and Venice used to have this lively trade,” explains owner Yasra Pouyeshman who can speak passionately about every piece in the store and the craftsperson who made it.
“Between our destinations, there was always a through-line of creativity.” For example, she says, Murano mirrors were exported to Iran in the 17th and 18th centuries, but by the time they arrived, many were often broken. Seeing as they were precious commodities, the Iranian craftspeople came up with a beautiful way to reuse them. As any traveler who has visited the country’s rich palaces and marveled at their mosaic-studded mirror rooms can attest: sometimes what appears broken is just waiting to be reborn as something else.
While Kooch carries some gorgeous larger pieces for the home, including mirrors, paintings and furniture, it’s also a great spot for snapping up smaller, luggage-fitting crafts, including embroidered handbags and hammered-silver bowls.
Written by Simone Girner
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