{"title":"Shagreen in English and European Decorative Arts: From the 18th to the 20th Century","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"648\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"285\"\u003eShagreen\u003c\/strong\u003e — the distinct rawhide made from sharkskin or rayskin — holds a unique place in the history of English and European decorative arts. Recognised for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"488\"\u003epebbled texture, durability, and exotic allure\u003c\/strong\u003e, it has been admired and reinterpreted for centuries, adorning objects from intimate 18th-century snuff boxes to bold Art Deco furniture of the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"650\" data-end=\"683\"\u003e18th Century: Exotic Origins\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"1175\"\u003eIn the 18th century, European artisans drew inspiration from \u003cstrong data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"765\"\u003eAsian traditions\u003c\/strong\u003e, where Japanese samurai wrapped sword handles in shagreen for its high-grip qualities. Imported into Europe, the material quickly became fashionable, valued for its unusual surface and tactile appeal. Shagreen was dyed, often in shades of green, and used to cover \u003cstrong data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003esnuff boxes, wig boxes, scientific instrument cases, and book bindings\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving these small luxury goods a distinctive texture and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1177\" data-end=\"1212\"\u003e19th Century: Victorian Luxury\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1647\"\u003eBy the 19th century, shagreen was adopted for \u003cstrong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1291\"\u003elarger objects and furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting the expanding tastes of the Victorian elite. In England, it appeared on \u003cstrong data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1407\"\u003ecabinets, desks, and chairs\u003c\/strong\u003e, often combined with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1429\" data-end=\"1462\"\u003eebony, ivory, or brass inlays\u003c\/strong\u003e to emphasise contrast and opulence. Its adaptability made it a favoured choice in lavish interiors, a testament to both the material’s durability and its association with refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1688\"\u003e20th Century: The Art Deco Revival\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"2084\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1714\"\u003eArt Deco movement\u003c\/strong\u003e of the 1920s and 1930s brought shagreen to the forefront once again. Designers such as \u003cstrong data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1823\"\u003eJean-Michel Frank\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1848\"\u003eClément Rousseau\u003c\/strong\u003e embraced its texture and exotic character, applying it to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1955\"\u003etables, picture frames, and even wall panels\u003c\/strong\u003e. Shagreen perfectly complemented the era’s bold lines and luxurious materials, making it a defining element of Art Deco style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2086\" data-end=\"2112\"\u003eCollecting and Legacy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2391\"\u003eAlthough its popularity waned after World War II with the rise of synthetic materials, shagreen has enjoyed a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2254\"\u003eresurgence in modern design\u003c\/strong\u003e. Today, it remains a hallmark of high-end furniture and decorative arts, valued for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2388\"\u003etimeless beauty and historic associations\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2693\"\u003eAt \u003cstrong data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2423\"\u003eNwtiques\u003c\/strong\u003e, we are delighted to present fine examples of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2470\" data-end=\"2515\"\u003eshagreen furniture and decorative objects\u003c\/strong\u003e, spanning from the 18th century through to the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2563\" data-end=\"2608\"\u003eArt Deco masterpieces of the 20th century\u003c\/strong\u003e. Each piece embodies the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003eenduring appeal of this rare and remarkable material\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-rare-and-very-fine-shagreen-and-silver-box-by-j-p-cooper","title":"A Rare And Very Fine Shagreen And Silver Box By J P Cooper","description":"\u003cp\u003eEngland, c. 1920\n\u003cbr\u003eA fine circular wooden box with domed lid, veneered throughout with shagreen and mounted with silver. The inside lid retaining the J Paul Cooper stamp.\n\u003cbr\u003eHeight 9.50cm (3.74 inches)\n\u003cbr\u003eDiameter 9.00cm (3.54 inches)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51458820735313,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/s715307709555333464_p114_i5_w2000.jpg?v=1752700825"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/s715307709555333464_p114_i5_w2000.jpg?v=1757575025","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/shagreen.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}