Antique early 20th century oak and leather bound shagreen leather box with handle. This fabulous small box. in the shape of a suitcase, probably once held a scientific or medical electrical item ( old partiel label). Although over its 100 plus years it has seen some wear this only adds to the look!!! Could be repurposed as a jewellery/ keepsake box or just very decorative.
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Size: 29 cm wide 20 cm depth 10 cm tall
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Shagreen is a type of rawhide known for its distinctive, rough, and pebbled texture. It's traditionally made from the skin of horses, donkeys, or onagers, or from the skins of sharks or rays. Today, shagreen is often used as a decorative covering for accessories like trays, boxes, and furniture, and it can be found in both real and faux versions.
Here's a more detailed look:
What it is:
Shagreen is characterized by its bumpy, granular surface, which is created by the arrangement of small, pearl-like ossicles embedded in the skin. Historically, it was used for practical purposes, like sword hilts and knife sheaths, and later for decorative items like boxes, furniture, and even scientific instruments.
Types of shagreen:
Real shagreen:
Traditionally made from the skin of sharks and rays, or from the back of horses or donkeys.
Faux shagreen:
A more modern development, made from various materials like embossed leather or resin, to mimic the look and feel of real shagreen.
How it's used:
Shagreen is a popular material for adding a touch of luxury and texture to interior design.
It's often used as a covering for decorative objects like boxes, trays, and picture frames.
It can also be found as an inlay in furniture pieces or used to cover entire furniture items like side tables.
In the past, it was used for functional items like sword hilts and knife sheaths.
History and origin:
The use of shagreen dates back centuries, with evidence of its use in Japan as far back as the 13th century.
It became popular in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, with Portuguese, Dutch, and English traders importing the material and European craftsmen creating decorative items from it.
The French call shagreen "galuchat" after the craftsman Jean-Claude Galuchat, who popularized its use in the 18th century.
The term "shagreen" originally referred to embossed equine (horse or donkey) leather or parchment, but the name became associated with the shark and ray skin as well due to its similar texture.