Leather Decorative Objects

Leather trunk Spanish, 17th century Boiled Leather, wood and iron Measures: 22 x 53 x 32 cm. Provenance : - collection Metz-Noblat, Château de Clevant, France Rectangular trunk of the form and size of a small suitcase with wrought iron hinges and lock-plate. Wood, covered with leather, cut and embossed with every surface of the thick cow hide covered in interlace, zoomorphic features. The construction method is boiled leather, often referred to by its French translation cuir-bouilli: a process used to change flexible, vegetable-tanned leather into rigid, moulded objects. For shaping of the vegetable-tanned leather, heat and moisture were used, as indicated by the term boiled leather. No written medieval sources describing the production of decorated cuir bouilli objects survive, so knowledge of the process relies on the important studies of the Scottish leather historian John William Waterer. A large range of methods, materials and techniques could be used in various combinations. The vegetable-tanned leather, made supple with moisture and heat, was stuffed, shaped and nailed to the rigid wooden coffer support. The stuffing material was probably modeled beeswax or stearin wax. To shape the leather, to create its topography, « Cushions » were made by lacing a thread through an awl hole and attaching the flexible leather and stuffing to the rigid wooden support on the bottom. Then the decoration was done: lines were incised through the upper layer of the leather (epidermis) with different thicknesses of knives or needles. Contours were created with deep v-shaped cuts, decoration with thin incision and final details with a needle point. For the incision and pouncing stage, the leather was probably kept heated and moistened for suppleness. Once dry, the leather would be hard and rigid. the saturated leather is worked over a form, possibly even damp sand, with the pattern shaped using bone or wooden tools. Compare to metal, leather was lighter and it offered protection from cuts and punctures. Cuir bouilli objects were produced by specialist leather workers and needed skillful craftsmanship. The surface is filled with roundels shaped foliages enclosing animals, lions and peacocks. The foliate arabesques creating a vegetal connection tweet the animals create the impression of a lush verdant space . The vegetal pattern here employed in combination with geometrical pattern came from the pre-islamic artistic traditions of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. An aspect of Islamic geometry Is the basic symmetrical repetition and mirroring of the shapes that create a sense of harmony. The decoration of this truck is inspired by the islamic « arabesque » a form of vegetal ornament composed of spirals, intertwining plants and abstract curvilinear motifs. An arabesque character is given to the birds of the decorations through extreme stylisation. This arabesque maintained the classical tradition of median symmetry, freedom in Detail and heterogeneity of ornament. The presence of the peacocks is a paradisiacal allusion: in popular Islamic literature they were among the original inhabitants of the garden of Paradise expelled with Adam and Eve. Peacock as a decorative motif may have originated in the West, despite their eastern provenance. There was an ancient belief that the flesh and feathers of peacock do not decay. This led to the peacock becoming a christian symbol for Christ’s resurrection. Renowned for their decorative wall hangings, seventeenth-century Spanish leatherworkers also produced utilitarian objects, such as this trunk. A similar trunk is on display at the Metropolitan museum of art ( 09.158.1). Related literature : Davies L. 2006. Cuir bouilli. Conservation of leather and related materials, 94-102, Oxford: elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann Grabar, Oleg. The Mediation of Ornament. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1992 Gabriela Germana Roquez, "El mueble en el Peru en el siglo XVIII...

Standing Fang Mabea Maternity of Museum quality, holding a pestle with both her hands. The mother's head is slightly turned to the left, while the child, which she carries on her bac...

Classic leather desk set with chrome letter opener and scissors. Burgundy leather holding case. Marked made in France and Nogent. Good vintage condit...

Leather bound paper bin with tooled decoration. Circa 1950 H 27cm x W 25cm x D 25cm

Contemporary suede leather sculpture - Tabou 5 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara. A mix of space-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems...

Pair of 1950's Stitched leather inkwells Crystal by Baccarat Designed by Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermès

Garrard & Co. Ring Box. Period: Mid to late 20th century Material: Leather exterior with cream satin and velvet interior Purpose: Presentation box for rings Dimensions: 4.8 cm x 4....

Rolex Extravagant Watch Box Period: Late 20th century Material: Ornate fabric and leatherette exterior, velvet and satin interior Purpose: Created for housing and presenting a luxur...

Rare pair of bookends designed by Carl Auböck.

Unique vintage brass turtle on faux book paperweight, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 5.25"W x 3.5"D x 3"H. The ...

Hermès Paris decorative box in leather and bronze. This Hermès Paris decorative box features a cylindrical design covered in textured black leather on the exterior. The top and botto...

A large French 16th Century Beech wood & leather chest, with iron flowerhead and domed stud work to front top and sides. Original hasp and lockplate, the interior of the box with lat...

Complete collection set of gilt leather bound library book set of one hundred twenty nine volumes. PURDON'S Pennsylvania Statutes & Consolidated Statutes Annotated. Copyright 2003 by...

Monochrome Collection Trays For various purposes, the Monochrome Collection Trays can be used individually or as a set. Their sizes are customizable, so feel free to get creative an...

Impressive mounted ram's horn wall-hanging. These horns have been mounted to a shaped piece of wood which brings an overall softness to the piece, and some character.

Handmade leather dog / Boxer by DERU, Germany 1960s. These small leather animals are folded from a thicker piece of brown leather and riveted . Stamped Deru. Origami technique. The m...

1950's stitched leather vide poche by Jacques Adnet Chromed metal, Burgundy leather and glass Great condition.

A pair of vintage Chinese winter boots on stand. This is a pair of Chinese leather winter boots that have been displayed on a custom black iron Stand. The boots are from the people b...

Rich brown leather desk set by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s.

A petit Deru leather dachshund

Red Fold room divider by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 4 x W 70 x H 170 cm Materials: oak wood, leather straps. Available in other colors and ...

Incredible solid brown leather Rhinoceros in the style of Abercrombie & Fitch and Dimitri Omersa. Incredible color and patina with green eyes. This ...

A beautiful Louis Vuitton hat case, crafted in France circa 1950. It has been expertly converted into a luxurious humidor, seamlessly blending h...

A small square ring box with a sophisticated exterior, likely crafted from leather. The interior features plush velvet and satin, designed to elegantly present a ring. A refined rin...

Pen holder with design essential and contemporary coated with the very special shagreen leather in the seductive sage color. Handcrafted with skilled craftsmanship, the pen h...

Beautiful weathered Folk Art box made out of wood and covered with leather. Working lock and key. France, circa 1850 Weathered, small losses.

Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7313 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...

Design Modern and precious coating merge in this box shaped like a small trunk that opens to show cigarettes, or playing cards, or even favorite jewelry. Part of the exclusive G...

This exquisite leather rhino statue is a beautifully handcrafted piece, showcasing exceptional detail and craftsmanship. Every detail has been thoughtfully created, from the hand-st...

Contemporary leather sculpture - Tabou 3 by Stephane Parmentier for Giobagnara. A mix of space-age design and tribal art, these contemporary totems...

A beautiful English black leather organizer, circa late-20th century, England. Piece is black leather with compartments for necessities: 'watch, jewelry, keys, eyeglasses, wallet, an...

The modern design of the shiny metal box in the shape of a trunk is matched by the precious coating genuine shagreen leather melange color green-biege. Elegant piece of furnitur...

An outstanding Art & Crafts period hand hammered copper desk set. The five-piece set includes: calendar frame, inkwell, pen tray, letter opener, and set of four blotter corners with ...

Decorate a wine cellar with this antique, metal grape harvest basket. Created in Southwest, France circa 1870, the unique basket has its original leather back straps and is hand-painted with colorful leaf and crown decor...

A classic stitched leather desk set in dark green leather, attributed to Jacques Adnet. The set comprises a clock with wind up mechanism and nickel plated stylized numbers on the fac...

Maitland Smith Tessellated Horn and Leather Desk Blotter. Certainly a luxurious addition to any executive desk. Designed for both function and elegance, this handcrafted desk accesso...

A new collection joined the Pinetti family. Euclide with its geometric look is an elegant side table crafted with wood structure and entirely covered in recycled leather. This lovel...

1960's Leather and metal decorative boxe Signed by Hermès

Hermes Luxury Vintage Stirrup Polo / Equestrian Trophy, France, 1940s. Equestrian / Polo / Racing horse Motifs. Unusual 20th century gift.   

Cordite buckets were used by the British navy to carry cordite, a propellant that was used to replace gunpowder. Because of their purpose, cordite buckets were built using specific m...

Very good vintage condition.

In 1950, the designer Jacques Adnet developed a collection of furniture and accessories in stitched leather. This clock and this barometer come from this collection. They are round, ...

1970's Jewelry boxe in leather and brass. Wrote DIOR with different kind of letters. France.

This antique set of glass perfume or scent bottles with a fitted case are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and dating to approximately 1880 in the period Louis X...

Classic vintage Hermès cigarette box. Cigarette box is heavy and wrapped in leather. Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) decorative lid. Removable metal ...

A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends si...

Beautiful and rare mid century rhino statue made of papier maché, filled with straw and covered with brown leather, glass eyes, completely in the style of Liberty of London, circa 19...

Large leather book box with lock and key. Book is bound with leather and stamped G.T.H.

Very nice stitched leather desk clock in the style of Paul Dupre-Lafon France Rare piece, great quality Don't know if it's work

1950's stitched leather desk bin by Jacques Adnet France.

Vintage African ceremonial shield.

Miniature Mariposa Chair Desk Decoration by Cuero Design Dimensions: D 23 x W 23 x H 23 cm. Materials: Black leather and metal. Finish: Grass Green leat...

A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Bookmark" pattern silver gilt bronze blotter ends with a custom blue leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signe...

Chinese export dragon motif silver plate picture frame. Newly replaced. New low glare clear glass. Original burgundy leather easel back. Opening ...

Amazing Tántalo or book-shaped leather box concealing a beautiful wheel-engraved crystal set, outlined in gold, consisting of two bottles with their stoppers and four finely engrave...

This luxury modernist leather picture frame was crafted in France circa 1950. The piece boasts fine-grain leather in a warm maroon color with white hand-stitched finishing. The easel...

This traditional rustic animal bell is a charming piece originating from France, circa 1960. The bell features a bronze body with a leather strap, creating a rustic and authentic aes...

Incredible car: in solid wood. leather interiors If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. Marcelo Peña...

An Hermes Watch, manual wind with a square stainless steel face, a Hadley Roma brown embossed leather strap and a light goldtone buckle closure. Stamped...

Luxury smoking accessory for a timeless home that become part of their surroundings and everyday actions, communicating stylistic elegance through a combination of precious shagreen ...