This is a lovely example of a fine manta ray skin or hide that has been died and polished for use in applying to the surface of an object to create a beautiful work of art. Shagreen typically refers to the skin of rays, sharks or dogfish, all of which are cartilaginous fish with a smoothly pebbled texture. It has been used for centuries as an exotic surface that has been used to create many art objects.
Supposedly, ray skin has been prized since the time of the pharaohs, and during the Chinese Han Dynasty (202 BC - AD 220). It has been better documented and preserved since it began appearing on the sword hilts and armor of Japanese samurai during the Middle Ages, in part because its texture provided a reliable grip.
Europe began importing shagreen-covered objects during the 17th and 18th centuries, and in the mid-1700s, a tanner in Paris became the first European shagreen expert (his name, Galluchat, has been transformed into galuchat, the French word for shagreen.) Louis XV's most famous mistress, Madame de Pompadour, was the dominant patron of Monsieur Galluchat, and it was said that a week didn't go by when she didn't buy some new object, often in shagreen.
Size: Length 21" x Width 12" x Thickness .25
Weight 3 ounces
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Reviews (1)
Average:
May 25, 2017
Arrived very quickly and with some bonus items. High quality experience all around!
jnr72605