All Dressed Up
May 2007
Teatime in an exotic style is represented by a French tole tray (24" high x 31" wide), circa 1840,
embellished with a mother-of-pearl chinoiserie scene depicting figures engaged in various entertainments ($7,500), at Suchow & Seigel Antiques in New York. “Though originally intended for tea service, the tray can be displayed on an easel
or hung on a wall in order to appreciate
its pictorial design,” says owner Sanford Suchow.
Mother-of-pearl items on a smaller scale, but highly sought-after, include several unique little objects by Line Vautrin (1913– 97), a French designer noted for her use of exotic materials. At Phillips de Pury & Co. in New York in December 2005, three small Vautrin mother-of-pearl incised boxes with interesting designs and sayings sold from $4,800 to $6,600.
Boxes with mother-of-pearl decoration were luxury items in the Victorian era. One can only imagine the elegant woman who must have owned the stunning Chinese rosewood travel makeup chest, circa 1880 (9" x 12" x 8"), currently offered by Agostino Antiques in New York ($2,000). Inlaid with a graceful design of flowers, leaves and vines, it features a mirror on an easel that folds down into the box. “Decorative boxes were also popular to hold important documents or letters,” notes owner Sal Trupiano.
Contemporary mother-of-pearl works available for upscale decors include a collection of inlaid trays and wall panels by rug designer Stephanie Odegard, owner of Odegard Inc. in New York. After discovering antique mother-of-pearl art objects during her travels, Odegard set out to reinterpret and adapt this ancient technique. The Puma Metok tray (32" x 32"), part of Odegard’s Rosewood Collection, is an adaptation of her original Puma Metok rug ($1,850). “All pieces are hand-carved and hand-cut mother-of pearl to fit the design elements,” says the artist. “My inspiration comes from old Indian art. I use the same motifs in my carpet designs.” Her inlaid mother-of-pearl rosewood panels for wall decor or for use as coffee table tops also incorporate rug-derived designs ($2,500–$4,000).
At ABC Carpet & Home in New York, mother-of-pearl is a young-shopper trend, and advanced collectors select highly decorative pieces to express their individuality. One stunning throne-back chair that echoes distant lands, handmade in Syria, features ornate mother-of-pearl inlay work with the apron repeating the scroll and floral motifs ($2,495).
However, says Einalhory, nothing can top the originals. “While contemporary mother-of-pearl pieces may capture the attention of consumers, they in no way can compete in terms of quality and beauty with the ancient works of art.”
Polly Guérin, a former adjunct assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, covers antiques and design for Art & Antiques.
 |  |
THEN: Jules Leleu, two-door cabinet, | NOW: Stephanie Odegard, reclaimed rosewood panels with mother-of-pearl inlay, 2000. |
its pictorial design,” says owner Sanford Suchow.
Mother-of-pearl items on a smaller scale, but highly sought-after, include several unique little objects by Line Vautrin (1913– 97), a French designer noted for her use of exotic materials. At Phillips de Pury & Co. in New York in December 2005, three small Vautrin mother-of-pearl incised boxes with interesting designs and sayings sold from $4,800 to $6,600.
Boxes with mother-of-pearl decoration were luxury items in the Victorian era. One can only imagine the elegant woman who must have owned the stunning Chinese rosewood travel makeup chest, circa 1880 (9" x 12" x 8"), currently offered by Agostino Antiques in New York ($2,000). Inlaid with a graceful design of flowers, leaves and vines, it features a mirror on an easel that folds down into the box. “Decorative boxes were also popular to hold important documents or letters,” notes owner Sal Trupiano.
Contemporary mother-of-pearl works available for upscale decors include a collection of inlaid trays and wall panels by rug designer Stephanie Odegard, owner of Odegard Inc. in New York. After discovering antique mother-of-pearl art objects during her travels, Odegard set out to reinterpret and adapt this ancient technique. The Puma Metok tray (32" x 32"), part of Odegard’s Rosewood Collection, is an adaptation of her original Puma Metok rug ($1,850). “All pieces are hand-carved and hand-cut mother-of pearl to fit the design elements,” says the artist. “My inspiration comes from old Indian art. I use the same motifs in my carpet designs.” Her inlaid mother-of-pearl rosewood panels for wall decor or for use as coffee table tops also incorporate rug-derived designs ($2,500–$4,000).
At ABC Carpet & Home in New York, mother-of-pearl is a young-shopper trend, and advanced collectors select highly decorative pieces to express their individuality. One stunning throne-back chair that echoes distant lands, handmade in Syria, features ornate mother-of-pearl inlay work with the apron repeating the scroll and floral motifs ($2,495).
However, says Einalhory, nothing can top the originals. “While contemporary mother-of-pearl pieces may capture the attention of consumers, they in no way can compete in terms of quality and beauty with the ancient works of art.”
Polly Guérin, a former adjunct assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, covers antiques and design for Art & Antiques.
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