Editing Alabaster (section)

====Volterra (Tuscany)====
[[File:alabaster.whole.600pix.jpg|thumb|upright|Uplighter lamp, white and brown Italian alabaster, base diameter 13 cm (20th century)]]
In modern [[Europe]], the centre of the alabaster trade is [[Florence, Italy]]. [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] alabaster occurs in nodular masses embedded in limestone, interstratified with [[marl]]s of [[Miocene]] and [[Pliocene]] age. The mineral is worked largely by means of underground galleries, in the district of [[Volterra]]. Several varieties are recognized—veined, spotted, clouded, agatiform, and others. The finest kind, obtained principally from [[Castellina Marittima|Castellina]], is sent to Florence for figure-sculpture, while the common kinds are carved locally, into vases, lights, and various ornamental objects. These items are objects of extensive trade, especially in Florence, [[Pisa]], and [[Livorno]].<ref name="EB1911"/>

In the 3rd century BC the [[Etruscans]] used the alabaster of Tuscany from the area of modern-day Volterra to produce [[funeral urn]]s, possibly taught by Greek artists.<ref name="Volterra">{{cite web| url = http://www.volterratur.it/en/come/alabaster/the-alabaster-history/| title = Official website of Volterra| access-date = 2016-07-25| archive-date = 2017-11-08| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205856/http://www.volterratur.it/en/come/alabaster/the-alabaster-history/| url-status = dead}}</ref> During the [[Middle Ages]] the craft of alabaster was almost completely forgotten.<ref name="Volterra"/> A revival started in the mid-16th century, and until the beginning of the 17th century alabaster work was strictly artistic and did not expand to form a large industry.<ref name="BruciHist">{{cite web| url = http://www.alialabastro.it/alabastrostoria-en.html| title = Italian Alabaster Works of G. Bruci & Co., Volterra: History| access-date = 2016-07-25| archive-date = 2018-11-09| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181109182332/http://www.alialabastro.it/alabastrostoria-en.html| url-status = dead}}</ref>

In the 17th and 18th centuries production of artistic, high-quality Renaissance-style artifacts stopped altogether, replaced by less sophisticated, cheaper items better suited for large-scale production and commerce. The new industry prospered, but the reduced need for skilled craftsmen left few of them still working. The 19th century brought a boom to the industry, largely due to the "traveling artisans" who offered their wares to the palaces of Europe, as well as to America and the East.<ref name="BruciHist"/>

In the 19th century new processing technology was also introduced, allowing for the production of custom-made, unique pieces, as well as the combination of alabaster with other materials.<ref name="BruciHist"/> Apart from the newly developed craft, artistic work became again possible, chiefly by Volterran sculptor [[Albino Funaioli]].<ref name="BruciHist"/> After a short slump, the industry was revived again by the sale of mass-produced mannerist [[Expressionist]] sculptures. It was further enhanced in the 1920s by a new branch that created ceiling and wall lamps in the [[Art Deco]] style, culminating in participation at the 1925 [[International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts]] in [[Paris]].<ref name="BruciHist"/> Important names in the evolution of alabaster use after [[World War II]] are Volterran [[Umberto Borgna]], the "first alabaster designer", and later on the architect and [[industrial design]]er [[Angelo Mangiarotti]].<ref>[http://www.toscana900.com/en/museo/ecomuseo-dellalabastro/][[:it:Ecomuseo dell'alabastro]]<span>, Volterra; official website</span></ref>