EGGSHELL VENEER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18532, 17 October 1923, Page 14

EGGSHELL VENEER.

; Although.. if is well known in Japan, eggshell veneer is a new craft in this country. The shells' are first crushed into very small pieces, and these are fitted together in a kind of mosaic by means of cement, which holds them in position. Deft fingers and infinite patience : are necessary to achieve the best results. The work is done on wood; the veneer which results is strengthened 'by lacquer. The Japanese eggshell veneer is decorated with typical Oriental designs, but the Englishwoman who is specialising in this process often paints the veneer with the most fascinating fairies and sprites, the cobweb-like surface of the veneer giving a gossamer appearance to the wings of. the little floating figures. The white shell is used for toilet brushes, mirrors, and powder bowls, the latter being lined with gold leaf. Tllis veneer is the colour of ivory. When the brown shell is employed quite a' different effect is produced, and it is successfully applied to writing-table sets and trinket boxes. A lovely big, powder bowl of white shell had the top painted with a ring of floating fairies in rainbow colours, .while a beautiful set of brushes was decorated with a little straggling design of pink appleblossom.

A unique writing set in the brown shell had designs on the inkstand, cheque blotter, and stationery rack , suggested by. Ariel's song. Another successful piece of work was a photograph frame, also in brown shell, with blossoms in different colours sprinkled oyer it. .. The immense amount of labour involved in producing the veneer, in addition to the handpainting used. on it, makes it fairly costly. A piece of it is, however, a very interesting possession, quite apart from its extremely pretty and dainty appearance, and it is valued on this account. A couple of eggshell veneer table napkin rings Jn a case make an uncommon wedding present, and. other small articles like paper-knives and match-boxes can be purchased by I those who wish to possess an inexpensive I example of this" unique craft.