Shagreen Collection

Asprey Christmas presents, 1926
Colour advertisement for Asprey of Bond Street displaying a wide variety of Christmas present ideas, including an attache case, a shagreen cigarette box, leather handbag, crocodile handbag pochette

Oliver Cromwell's watch and case
Oliver Cromwell's silver watch and shagreen case. Date: 17th century

Vinaigrette, London, c. 1829. Creator: Unknown
Vinaigrette, London, c. 1829

Side blown horn with ray skin covering and human jawbone attachment (brass)
HSC380594 Side blown horn with ray skin covering and human jawbone attachment (brass) by Ghanaian School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Akan goldweight)

Leucoraja fullonica, or Shagreen Ray, also known as Rough Flapper, French Ray and Dun Cow. Date: 1862

Advert for Asprey clutch bags 1928
A selection of 1920s clutch handbags, made of various types of leather. Date: 1928

Advert for Asprey hand bags & clutches 1928
A wide variety of hand bags and clutches, available from Asprey of Bond Street. 1928

Raphael de Valentin and the shopkeeper, illustration from La Peau de Chagrin
XIR346111 Raphael de Valentin and the shopkeeper, illustration from La Peau de Chagrin, drama adapted from the novel by Honore de Balzac (1799-1850) (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School

Compound Microscope and Case; Micrometric stage invented by Michel-Ferdinand d Albert d Ailly, sixth duke of Chaulnes, French, 1714 - 1769, Gilt-bronze mounts attributed to Jacques Caffieri, French

Lancet cases, circa 1800 C017 / 3576
Three English lancet cases dating from around the year 1800 photographed on a red background. The central lancet case is made from shagreen and silver, the two outer cases are made of silver

Two lancets and shagreen case, circa 1790 C017 / 3561
Green shagreen (rough, granular surfaced leather) lancet case with two tortoiseshell lancets. Lancets are double-edged surgical blades with a pointed end

Shagreen Cigarette Case
A cigarette case of silver and shagreen, painted wood matchbox and a wooden cigarette holder. Date: 1930s

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"Shagreen: A Timeless Luxury Revealed in Asprey Christmas Presents, 1926" Step into the world of opulence with shagreen, a material that has adorned exquisite treasures throughout history. From Oliver Cromwell's watch and case to a vinaigrette crafted in London circa 1829, this unique texture has captivated connoisseurs for centuries. Imagine running your fingers over the side blown horn covered in ray skin and embellished with a human jawbone attachment; its brass accents adding an air of mystique. This is just one example of how shagreen elevates ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art. Delve deeper into nature's marvels as you discover the Leucoraja fullonica, also known as the Shagreen Ray. Its intricate patterns mimic the allure of this luxurious material, captivating both scientists and admirers alike. In 1928, Asprey showcased their mastery by presenting clutch bags and handbags adorned with shagreen. The smoothness under your touch combined with impeccable craftsmanship made these accessories coveted items among fashion enthusiasts. Travel back in time through pages from Army and Navy Stores Catalogue from 1939-40 (litho), where shagreen took center stage once again. These catalogues displayed an array of elegant products featuring this exotic material - each item telling its own story. Finally, immerse yourself in Raphael de Valentin's journey depicted in La Peau de Chagrin illustration. Witness his encounter with a shopkeeper who understands the power held within shagreen - a symbol of desire but also cautionary tale about greed. Asprey Christmas presents from 1926 to Army and Navy Stores Catalogue from 1939-40 (litho), shagreen continues to enchant us all. Its timeless beauty transcends eras, reminding us that true luxury lies not only in aesthetics but also in the stories woven into each piece.