Seahorse Coffee table

Straw

Discover color selection here

H 40 x D 80 cm

H 15,7’’ x D 203,2’’

THE TECHNIQUE

The technique of marquetry (fr. “marqueter” - to variegate) is the art and craft of applying pieces of wooden veneer or straw to form decorative patterns. The materials used for inlay may include bone, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, pewter, brass or fine metals.

 

THE HERITAGE

Marquetry technique dates back to Roman Empire. Some examples have been recovered from the 1st century sites of Pompeii, demonstrating that technique was highly advanced at that time. There was a revival of veneered marquetry with classical inspiration in 16th century in Florence and Naples.

 

Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 16th century. In the mid 17th century craft was imported to France. Where furniture of unprecedented luxury was being made at the royal manufactory of the Gobelins, charged with providing furnishings to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV.

 

Straw marquetry itself experienced its revival during Art Deco period, when the decorators explored various traditional techniques and made them highly prestigious again.

 

THE SAVOIR-FAIRE

The straw used is rye straw. Rye is cultivated and harvested in the West of Ukraine, in Lviv region. The straw is dried, cleaned and dyed by hand in workshop in Odesa. Then each strand is checked one by one to remove any imperfections such as sun spots or creases. After selection process is finished, straws are opened and flattened by hand. At every stage no machinery work is used, only caring hands of the artisans from RUDA studio.

 

THE COLLECTION

In KATERINA BULGAKOVA studio we create interior pieces inspired by nature and heritage of decorative arts. Each item is handcrafted by artisans using sophisticated techniques and unique materials.

KATERINA BULGAKOVA x RUDA studio collaboration is filled with power of air, earth, and water. The straw marquetry heritage, beauty of nature and timeless design ensures our pieces to fit perfectly in classic and contemporary interiors and to be valued by next generations