Large Inlaid Specimen Shagreen Obelisk Attributed to R & Y Augousti

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Large Inlaid Specimen Shagreen Obelisk Attributed to R & Y Augousti
Paris, Circa 1990s

A striking architectural obelisk clad in … Read more Large Inlaid Specimen Shagreen Obelisk Attributed to R & Y Augousti
Paris, Circa 1990s

A striking architectural obelisk clad in meticulously hand-inlaid natural shagreen (stingray skin), executed in an intricate mosaic of irregular geometric panels. Rising to an impressive 23.5 inches x7 inches square this sculptural object embodies the refined minimalism and luxurious material palette that made the Paris design house of Ria and Yiouri Augousti internationally celebrated during the late twentieth century. Founded in 1989, R & Y Augousti revived the centuries-old art of shagreen craftsmanship, reinterpreting the material through contemporary forms inspired by French Art Deco, Egyptian Revival, and modernist architecture.

This example is distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship. Hundreds of carefully cut shagreen sections are individually hand-applied to create an abstract tessellated surface, allowing the natural variation in the stingray's distinctive pearl-like texture to produce subtle shifts in tone from warm ivory to soft taupe and pale gray. The result is an object that changes character as light moves across its faceted surfaces.

The obelisk, one of history's oldest architectural symbols, has long represented permanence, enlightenment, and aspiration. Here, its timeless form is interpreted through luxurious organic materials, creating a sophisticated decorative object equally at home in contemporary, Art Deco, or neoclassical interiors.

While unsigned, the quality of construction, distinctive geometric shagreen marquetry, proportions, and overall aesthetic strongly support an attribution to R & Y Augousti or their Paris atelier during the 1990s. Comparable works by the firm are recognized for their meticulous hand craftsmanship and their innovative revival of shagreen as one of the defining luxury materials of modern decorative arts.

A commanding statement piece for a console, pedestal, library, or grand interior, this large shagreen obelisk beautifully illustrates the enduring appeal of sculptural form paired with extraordinary artisanal craftsmanship.

Dimensions:
7 W × 7 in. D × 23 .5 H See less