Hartsvanger met schede by Abraham du Cellieé

after 1768

Hartsvanger met schede

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Curatorial notes

This hunting hanger with sheath was made by Abraham du Cellieé and consists of various materials. The handle is made of green ivory, the sheath is covered in sharkskin, and the fittings are copper. This weapon embodies a high level of craftsmanship; the handle is made of rare material and the sharkskin is hard-wearing. The copper fittings add decoration and strength. Each material contributes unique qualities to the object. The handle provides a comfortable grip, while the sharkskin protects the blade and adds a tactile dimension. The copper fittings reinforce the construction and add to the overall design aesthetic. The production of such an object would have involved various specialists working together, each with their own skills and knowledge. The ivory carver, the leather worker, and the coppersmith each contributed to the final product, and is indicative of the time's collaborative practices. Appreciating the materials and making processes allows us to understand the labor and skill that went into creating objects like this, challenging our traditional ideas about art and craft.