Antonio Gragnani was born in Livorno, a seaside city in Tuscan in 1740, and made stringed instruments there all through his life.
Someone says that he studied violin-making in Florence, Italy, but his craft style is by far different from those of Florentine makers of the 18th century.
Most of his violins have taken in Stradivarius patterns, but they did not just follow Stradivarius, taking in Amati-like graceful lines in some parts. The scrolls of his artwork are thin and long, which construct a unique style and clearly show a character based on elaborate craftsmanship and senses.
One of the important characters is whiskers of the whale used for the purfling, which can never be seen on other makers’ artwork in Italy. It is thought that he could take in unique materials for violin-making since he lived and worked in the seaside city, Livorno, which could never happen to any other violin-maker in mountains.
This violin, made in 1777, has a rich arch and is clad in golden brown. Its tone has colorful brightness and silver richness. Its potential of expressions made itself loved and used by many music performers.