Shagreen and Fish-skin; On Scientific Instruments, their Cases and Etui - Circa 1700-1800

摘要

Shagreen and fish-skin-covered instruments and their casings have an irresistible almost supernatural attraction. This essay concerns this Oriental decorative laminating technique which has embellished many old European scientific instruments, their cases and etui, the majority dating between 200 and 300 years old. These marine-mammal hide-coverings are curiously seldom if ever discussed, yet there exists a continuing historical fascination with the preparation and use of shagreen seen on many antiquarian scientific instruments. The appendix to this paper provides a rare glimpse into the process from a modern shagreen-practitioner. Many period scientific instruments thus decorated and cased have survived in original condition for generations, evidence of the veneration for this enduring craft.