Marquetry Handbag with Onyx Kundan, Diamond and Bakelite Hair Pin Handle

This exceptional marquetry handbag features a vintage Bakelite hairpin handle, with a bamboo stalk that adds an organic touch to its elegance. The bag is secured with an onyx kundan lock, meticulously set with black agate, while the center is adorned with silver accents in black rhodium, each carefully set with dazzling diamonds. This luxurious piece combines natural elements with refined craftsmanship, creating a statement of sophistication and timeless beauty.

LAdV has masterfully pioneered the ancient technique of marquetry, transforming it into an art form for fine handbags. Using imported European rye straw, LAdV collaborates with a renowned French marquetry expert to infuse a refined elegance into each design. This meticulous process includes soaking, splitting, sun-drying, and ironing the straw to achieve a spectrum of shades from pale gold to deep brown, ensuring the highest quality in every piece. Once the marquetry is complete, elegant golden lines of embellishments are added, forming new patterns over 5-10 days. The bags are finished with precious and semi-precious decorations, narrating a story of painstaking craftsmanship and design. The process, especially on varying handbag shapes, demands exceptional skill and patience to ensure seamless adhesion and perfect alignment, creating a flawless and luxurious product.

The hairpin, a Meiji period Maki-e Lacquer work, crafted for Geishas (made in Circa 1900) and, designed with the inspiration of flowers, from the gardens of ancient imperial palaces and forts of Japan. The Hair Pin, a two-piece stick shaped “Kanzashi” featuring a design has been maki-e lacquered, i.e., sprinkled with gold or silver powder onto a thick layer of lacquer as a decoration, a complicated and highly refined and time-consuming application. The hair pin resembles sheathed swords, with one end being removable for it to be placed in the hairstyle. Professional Kanzashi craftspeople typically undergo a five- to 10-year traditional apprenticeship to learn the trade. 
The masterful elegant piece took over 4 months with over 8 craftsmen and designers involved at various stages.

Diamond: 0.90 ct. (Approx.)
Black Agate : 0.62 g.
Black Onyx :  5.5 g. (Approx)
Dimension: 27 (H)x 21.8 (L)x 10.6 (W) cm.
Weight: 593.42 g.