Franco Stinga

Intarsio, or marquetry, is the ancient craft of using inlaid woods of various species, shapes and colors to create intricate designs on a variety of fixtures, furniture and decor accessories. Although the art form dates to before the 7th Century AD, it has struggled to maintain its standing in recent years and risks extinction as a result.  Throughout the period of the Grand Tour in Italy, Sorrento had become the Italian capital of intarsio, and boasted a cottage industry of more than 1000 intarsiatori craftsmen. Today, as market trends tend to veer toward cheaper alternatives, that number has been reduced to fewer than 100 passionate artisans that preserve this important aspect of Sorrento’s cultural patrimony. 

Among these talents is Franco Stinga, a Master Intarsiatore and Ebanista, or box maker. Franco comes from a family of Master Intarsiatori and Ebanisti that have crafted inlaid wood boxes in the traditional Sorrentino style for generations. As Franco began his apprenticeship, he recognized the tenuous future of intarsio and developed his own uniquely modern style, while simultaneously preserving the tradition of his craft.  Today, he produces finely finished and decorated boxes from exotic woods, such as ebony and mahogany; his unique designs range in style from traditional Baroque , to Art Deco, to grottesco patterns inspired by the ancient examples found in Pomeii.