OLD WORLD ARTS
We are passionate about celebrating and preserving the vanishing arts of the hand. Our mastery of the forgotten arts of eggshell work, shagreen, gilding, casting, and chasing are classic techniques that we elevate to the level of absolute perfection.
We are passionate about celebrating and preserving the vanishing arts of the hand.
Our mastery of the forgotten arts of eggshell work, shagreen, gilding, casting, and chasing are classic techniques that we elevate to the level of absolute perfection.
“Everything you do is just exquisite. I look forward to your next masterpiece.”
David Geffen
MADE BY A MASTER
We are able to hand-paint any surface with any design motif you can imagine. Here, to celebrate the Lunar Year of the Rat, we designed a dreamy fantasy of floating in hot air balloons, with their rat passengers enroute to a wonderful rat party. Their anticipation is palpable.
LEATHER WORK
Unique leathers require specialised techniques to properly cut, sew and work them. This re-creation of an original chair, designed by Paul Iribe in 1915, is upholstered in python skin. In addition to the extraordinary leatherwork, this piece also required more than 300 hours of hand carving and gilding in 24-karat gold.
Re-creation of a Iribe club chair
Hand carved with 24 carat gold gilding and python upholstery
SHAGREEN
A re-creation of an original Andre Arbus commode, clad in genuine shagreen. We fit each separate piece of shagreen to achieve flawless visual balance. Based on the selection of the individual hides, we achieve a perfect visual rhythm. Once fit, each piece is cut by hand and then glued into place.
A NEVER-ENDING STORY
EGGSHELL LACQUER
“Due to its labor intensity, the art of eggshell and lacquer finishes disappeared in the 1940s. At Pollaro we have revived this intricate artistic technique.”
“In 1900, the Japanese government sent a delegation of artists to the Exposition Universelle in Paris to demonstrate Japanese superiority in lacquer art.
After the Exposition closed, one artist, Seizo Sugawara, decided to remain in Paris where he set up his own workshop. In 1912, Sugawara crossed paths with Jean Dunand, an accomplished French metalsmith. Sugarwara wanted to learn about techniques for forming metal vases, and Dunand wanted to learn about decorative lacquer techniques. They decided to exchange workshop secrets.
The result was a creative explosion that combined traditional Oriental lacquer techniques with contemporary forms—translating into boldly patterned screens, tables and vases that today are collected by museums and connoisseurs of fine art worldwide. Pollaro continues this tradition, creating beautiful eggshell works of art that require many hundreds of hours of meticulous work.”
Frank Pollaro
A NEVER-ENDING STORY
EGGSHELL LACQUER
“Due to its labor intensity, the art of eggshell and lacquer finishes disappeared in the 1940s. At Pollaro we have revived this intricate artistic technique.”
“In 1900, the Japanese government sent a delegation of artists to the Exposition Universelle in Paris to demonstrate Japanese superiority in lacquer art.
After the Exposition closed, one artist, Seizo Sugawara, decided to remain in Paris where he set up his own workshop. In 1912, Sugawara crossed paths with Jean Dunand, an accomplished French metalsmith. Sugarwara wanted to learn about techniques for forming metal vases, and Dunand wanted to learn about decorative lacquer techniques. They decided to exchange workshop secrets.
The result was a creative explosion that combined traditional Oriental lacquer techniques with contemporary forms—translating into boldly patterned screens, tables and vases that today are collected by museums and connoisseurs of fine art worldwide. Pollaro continues this tradition, creating beautiful eggshell works of art that require many hundreds of hours of meticulous work.”
Frank Pollaro
Lacquer Work
A Dunand-inspired screen decorated with goldfish, with every detail meticulously hand painted. We are able to paint any surface and realise any design—from the smallest flourish to the grandest artistic gesture.
“I have collaborated with many artists but no one has surpassed
Pollaro in craftsmanship, creativity and sheer passion for his art.”
Theo Kalomirakis
President, TK Theaters
CASTING
A re-creation of an Albert Cheuret console table from 1927. The cobras are cast and hand chased in bronze with a Portoro-gold marble top. Our traditional castings begin with the carving of a full-scale pattern. Once cast, the piece is then meticulously hand chased so when it is complete, every part of the surface has been hammered. Artistic chasing transforms a piece of cast bronze into something with a living soul.
GILDING
Our gilding is applied using traditional water or oil methods. Water gilding, in particular, produces a perfect, smooth, polished finish. Once complete the entire surface is polished with an agate stone to enhance every detail. We can gild in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, bronze or any other metal.
Made without equal
HANDMADE IN THE USA SINCE 1988