ing to French 1940s designs by Arbus, Adnet and Leleu and,
like works by those designers, it is constructed of sumptuous
materials. The rectilinear body of the cabinet is of solid ebony,
its natural striations visible. On the surface of the doors Skatemoderne has revived a favorite Art Deco material���shagreen���
but with a daring new kick. Skatemoderne���s ���couture shagreen���
is pink rather than the traditional green. Uniquely, in what
comprises the ultimate tour de force of the cabinet, Skatemoderne has inlaid the surface with crystalline stylized Japanese
white roses.
The other influence at work here besides 1940s France is, obviously, Japan. The Sakura cabinet looks back as far as the 1870s
in France and Britain, a time when avant-garde designers from
Christopher Dresser to Emil Galle were inspired by Japanese
wares shown at various Great Exhibitions. Skatemoderne revives and enhances the marvelous late 19th century fusion of
Europe and Japan as well as the sensuous pleasure of rare materials. This generation of collectors has the opportunity to acquire brilliantly designed, hand-crafted furniture that is a truly
modern expression of timeless tradition. H
By Lisa Zeiger
Skatemoderne
Faux Shagreen Custom Furniture and Wallcoverings
Park Avenue
New York, NY 10128 USA
info@skatemoderne.com
HYLAND
