Wood veneer that resembles an arrangement of oyster shells is called oyster veneer. Oyster veneering began in Holland in the 17th century when sheets of wood were cut from a small branch, often laburnum or walnut, and sliced across the width of the branch, exposing the concentric growth rings. Several of these slices placed together were arranged as ornamentation on a surface of a piece of furniture. The small pieces making up the pattern are often called oyster wood.
Oyster veneer adds the look of texture as well as visual interest to a piece. The look is more casual than a fine marquetry pattern, but nevertheless sets the piece apart from the ordinary. Notice the oyster veneering on the bases of these lamps with lost-wax cast griffins and hand-sewn silk shades.
Oyster Veneer is typically used on furniture, but Maitland-Smith loves to create the unexpected. Visit our website, www.maitland-smith.com, to see more examples of the unexpected in furniture, lighting and accessories.
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