Hand screen, England, 1800-1810
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1800-1810
Hand screen, England, 1800-1810 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1800-1810. The museum's brief description reads: Hand screen, decorated with straw marquetry, English, 1800-1810. Museum description: Hand screen, wood covered with straw work, partly stained; the handle is carved with ivory. The screen has a shaped outline. On the front is a panel containing a view of buildings and trees with a rowing boat on a sheet of water surrounded by plain borders. The baluster handle is carved with bands of leaf and geometrical ornament. The museum record gives material recorded as wood, ivory, straw; measurements Height 45.1 cm; Width 21 cm; place associated: England; maker recorded: unknown. These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- wood, ivory, straw
- Dimensions
- Height 45.1 cm; Width 21 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Carved and stained wood; carved ivory; straw-work
- Maker recorded
- unknown
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Museum object name
- Hand screen
- Museum object number
- 722-1907
- Museum system number
- O321672
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the holding institution and a specialist reference.