The history of straw marquetry

The technique is close to wood marquetry. In the 17th century Marquetry inlayers, clergymen, sailors and convicts used it, and it gave birth to a very rich handicraft especially in France. Straw marquetry came back into fashion during the Art Deco period, when the most prestigious decorators returned this art to its former glory.

The straw used is rye straw (the same kind used for chair reseating). It is cultivated and harvested old style in Burgundy (France). The straw is dried and dyed then opened and flattened in the workshop. It has a natural silica polish that makes it impermeable and resistant. The maintenance only requires wax.

The workshops produce Lison de Caunes’ creations and collaborate with famous interior designers for private requests mainly in the United States. The workshops are also entrusted with the restoration of ancient objects.