The Resin of the Marzi Family: An Idea Born from a Love for Nature

n the picturesque countryside of Montespertoli, the family-run business Riccardo Marzi has turned resin crafting into a unique art form. The company was born from an idea by Riccardo Marzi himself: to preserve nature’s beauty inside everyday objects, much like the effect of fossilized amber. This vision has since evolved into a collection of stunning handmade pieces that capture flowers, leaves, fruits, and other natural elements in transparent resin.

The Inspiration: Capturing Nature in Resin

As Elena Marzi recalls, “My father’s idea was to trap nature inside an object, inspired by the look of fossilized amber. He began his first experiments using corn kernels—not because of their color, but because behind my grandfather’s workshop, there was a farmyard with chickens. So using a bit of feed for the trials was the simplest option." Dissatisfied with the results, Riccardo threw the plate with the corn into the yard. To his surprise, the chickens began pecking at it, trying in vain to retrieve the trapped corn kernels. That’s when he realized the illusion had worked and could be perfected.

Perfecting the Process: From Corn to Art

After the success with the corn, Riccardo began experimenting with other natural materials found in the fields around the workshop. The lush Tuscan countryside offered endless inspiration. Today, the Marzi family’s resin creations capture a wide variety of natural elements, from flowers to fruits, each sealed within clear, perfected resin.

"The resin we use is synthetic," explains Elena. "It’s impossible to achieve this level of craftsmanship with natural resins." After years of testing and refining, the company developed a formula that provides the perfect transparency seen in their pieces. The creation process involves eight meticulous steps, starting with the careful selection of materials.

Nature’s Palette: A Constant Source of Creativity

The objects feature natural elements such as fruits, flowers, leaves, and legumes, each with its original coloring. Sometimes, the tones are adjusted to expand the decorative range available, but as Elena shares, "Nature inspires us every day. Being surrounded by these landscapes motivates us to create pieces that reflect the beauty of our territory."

Not everything from nature, however, can be encapsulated in resin. "One of our biggest challenges," says Elena, "is that we can't use olive leaves because they crumple up when sealed in resin, and the effect is not aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, olives retain oily residues and don’t work well. We also haven’t been able to preserve sunflowers, as they lose their charm once dried. However, vine leaves can be treated. We press them after harvesting to prevent them from curling."

Sourcing and Growing Natural Elements

The elements used in Marzi’s resin pieces are mainly sourced from Italian suppliers, such as dry flower producers for florists. However, some materials are grown by the family themselves. "For instance," Elena explains, "we grow chili peppers in my father Riccardo’s garden because we need them to have stems and a specific size. We harvest them in September and dry them, and our small production lasts us the whole year. We also gather vine leaves from the surrounding vineyards."

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

What started as a simple idea inspired by the desire to trap nature's beauty has evolved into a unique family business that blends tradition with innovation. Today, the Riccardo Marzi brand stands out for its ability to capture the essence of the Tuscan landscape, creating objects that bring a piece of nature into homes around the world. Each creation is a testament to the love and care that go into every step of the process, from harvesting the materials to perfecting the resin's transparency.

The next time you look at a Marzi piece, you’ll know that behind its beauty lies a story of experimentation, passion, and the endless inspiration provided by nature.