Carlton Hobbs 9755

December 21 2009, 6:02pm

Term of the Day: Strapwork 12/21/09

Detail of a black lacquer and polychrome oval mirror.

Strapwork is a two-dimensional design that resembles stylized strips of parchment, leather or metal, often pierced, interwoven in intricate patterns, and curling at their ends. It is seen in arabesque and grotesque styles, including the work of Jean Berain. Strapwork first became popular during the Mannerist period in the 16th century, when it was used by Rosso Fiorentino for the decorations of Fontainebleau, and reappeared in the 19th century, when it was particularly used for wall decorations.

To see more of this mirror, visit: http://www.carltonhobbs.com/viewDetail.asp?strReference=9755