Straw-work (Strohintarsia) was quite common in the German
bookbinding tradition, and saw a good deal of use on
covers (as inlaid panels), in desk accessories (bookbinders
work), and other similar products. There are numerous
examples in the German bookbinding manuals of the 1st
3rd of this century, and in the "Jahrbuch der Einbandkunst,"
(4 vols, 1927-1937).
Wiese, in "Der Bucheinband" and Lüers "Das Fachwissen des
Buchbinders" attribute it to the Chinese, and point out that it
was uncommon up until the middle/late 18th century and
became rather popular after the (1st) World War when it
was a cheap raw material, though expensive/labor intensive
to prepare. The also give instructions for the preparing the
straw and working it. The examples I have seen are
exquisite.
"Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books," Roberts &
Etherington, does not mention it.
Peter Verheyen
> > In a copy of THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER London
> > 1806. Mrs. Piozzi acknowledges receipt (1811):
> > "Given by Dear Lady Kirkwall & made by her own
> > Hand". The made by her own hand most likely refers
> > to the attractive binding, an inlay (marquetry)
> > using what does appear to be pieces of straw. Is
> > there a reference to, or a study of this kind of
> > ?straw- work? Many thanks
> > Gabriel Austin
***************************
Peter D. Verheyen
Special Collections Preservation & Access Librarian /
Conservator
Syracuse University Library
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-9937
<mailto:pdverhey@library.syr.edu>
<http://libwww.syr.edu/information/spcollections/>