Doppia Firma

Soapstone has been used for centuries, possibly even millennia, for various purposes. Its distinct mineral composition results in softness, workability, heat resistance, and a non-porous nature, making it well-suited for food applications.

 In the Valchiavenna region, soapstone is a treasured material. Objects crafted from this stone are often passed down through generations, reflecting its rich history, cultural heritage, and exceptional quality. The labour-intensive and manual nature of its extraction and the craftsmanship involved in its transformation into finished objects is carried out by very few artisans today.

After meeting with craftsman Roberto Lucchinetti to discuss our initial ideas for soapstone objects, we recognized the importance of upholding the tradition and heritage associated with this precious stone. We felt a responsibility to use it sparingly, recognizing that each piece is a testament to this long-standing craft. Given its unique chemical and thermal properties in relation to food and its tradition in this context, we believe it is essential to create designs that are consistent with these inherent qualities.

Understanding how soapstone differs from any other stone proved pivotal to the project and was only properly understood through the dialogue with the maestro in his atelier, the oldest in the region. His profound respect for the material, from its extraction to the final object, and his insights into the purpose of its specific mineral composition and the enduring traditions with strong cultural and territorial significance shaped our own approach to this ancestral stone.

This work aims to value this ancestral stone for its mineral and thermal properties and for the cultural heritage it is associated with in the Valchiavenna region. Building upon the long tradition of soapstone cooking pots, we decided to concentrate on specific moments of serving and consuming hot and cold dishes that perceptively work well with an earthy material, as though the vessel was an ingredient in the final dish. Each item maximizes surface area in contact with the food while prioritizing hand-held proportions, allowing for a tactile connection of warmth or coolness through the stone. The project emphasizes soft, primitive and pure forms that complement the ancestral nature of the material.

The set includes a small cup for ice cream, a bowl for soups, and a larger vessel for serving dishes that require sustained heat retention