Memorandum book (Aide-memoire)

Museum Object Number 1955.0061.004

Object Name

Memorandum book (Aide-memoire)

Category

Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase

Place of Origin

England, United Kingdom, Europe

Date

1730-1740

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Interior, second leaf; "Etta Hawkins/ Robert Hawkins" written

Materials

Shagreen; Ivory (elephant); Brass; Wood; Paper

Dimensions (inches)

4 (H) , 2.37 (W) , 0.5 (D)

Dimensions (centimeters)

10.16 (H) , 6.03 (W) , 1.27 (D)

Object Description

Web - 05/07/2021

Shagreen is a leather made from the skin of a sea ray, or skate, shark, or dogfish, and historically sometimes from donkey hide. The bumpy calcium nodules found on skate and sea ray skins are filed down resulting in pleasing dots and patterns. Dyed black, green, blue, or red, the durable material was used to cover cases and small boxes or as scabbards for blades. This memorandum book, or notebook, is made of black shagreen and opens like a fan to reveal five sheets made of elephant ivory with “Etta Hawkins/Robert Hawkins” written on one.