Il Milione

Passport wallet / Hand-crafted to order / Ready to ship ~ October 28

€430,00 EUR

Made in Italy — Taxes & Insured shipping included.

PayPal interest-free installments ( IT, FR, DE, ES, UK, US, AU )

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Origin & Inspiration

Inspired by the earliest known travel narrative of the medieval West, Il Milione, also known by its original d'oïl title: Le divisament dou monde, this passport wallet pays tribute to the most renowned traveller of his age: Marco Polo. The title, written in langue d’oïl (Old French), reflects the literary language of medieval courtly culture. Rustichello da Pisa, who transcribed Marco Polo’s account during their imprisonment in Genoa, used this language to make the story accessible to a broad European audience. The inscription mirrors the original title and the opening lines of the manuscript.

The visual rhythm of medieval miniatures is reflected in the gestures of the figures, such as the architectural borders surrounding the scene, which are drawn directly from the "Livre des merveilles" (The Book of Wonders), framing the narrative like a window into the illuminated codices of the 14th century.

On the back, a young Marco stands with his father, Niccolò, and uncle, Matteo, who guided him east along the Silk Road. Based on the original manuscript, their figures symbolise the promise of adventure: a gateway to India, Persia, and Cathay; once a mythical land, brought to life through their journey.

This wallet serves as a travel companion, embodying centuries of wonder and the memory of worlds once unknown.

Artisanal method

The composition is hand-tooled into Italian vegetable-tanned leather using custom-designed clichés referencing the most iconic illuminated manuscripts of Il Milione. The wallet is externally dyed manually in a deep, burgundy tone with contrasting antique effects, enhancing the carved texture and legibility of the miniature-like scene. The interior includes five card slots and two spacious document and passport pockets, all stitched with waxed linen thread and finished by hand for durability and elegance.

Selected Materials

Inspired by the earliest known travel narrative of the medieval West, Il Milione, also known by its original d'oïl title: Le divisament dou monde, this passport wallet pays tribute to the most renowned traveller of his age: Marco Polo. The title, written in langue d’oïl (Old French), reflects the literary language of medieval courtly culture. Rustichello da Pisa, who transcribed Marco Polo’s account during their imprisonment in Genoa, used this language to make the story accessible to a broad European audience. The inscription mirrors the original title and the opening lines of the manuscript.

The visual rhythm of medieval miniatures is reflected in the gestures of the figures, such as the architectural borders surrounding the scene, which are drawn directly from the "Livre des merveilles" (The Book of Wonders), framing the narrative like a window into the illuminated codices of the 14th century.

On the back, a young Marco stands with his father, Niccolò, and uncle, Matteo, who guided him east along the Silk Road. Based on the original manuscript, their figures symbolise the promise of adventure: a gateway to India, Persia, and Cathay—once a mythical land, brought to life through their journey.

This wallet serves as a travel companion, embodying centuries of wonder and the memory of worlds once unknown.