Gauffrage

Juan Pablo Molyneux

I received a couple of questions regarding the definition of gauffrage from my last post.  I anticipated that!

(go-frazh) a noun, is a traditionally French technique of embossing a plain woven fabric or material with a hot pressure cylinder.  The heat from the process literally melts the pattern into the fabric ensuring a  permanent design.

The gauffrage process reflected a desire for luxury as much in the past as it does today.  The cylinder patterns range from commonly seen damask and florals to geometrics.  It works best on fabrics such as silks, velvets, mohairs, also leather, and looks at home in a traditional or modern interior.

The art is believed to be invented by the Japanese in the 14th or 15th century.  It was known as "karazuri."  It was what we think of today more as embossing.

The French and Italians experimented on fabric and raised it to an art form.

Edelman Leather

Verona

Westey Hall

Ralph Lauren

RL

Taking it one step further, this fabric was gauffraged, then hand painted. Isn't it gorgeous!

Circa Interiors

We often think of it as a look seen more often in traditional interiors, (think that heavy damask) but it works well in any setting, on almost any frame or application that calls for this type of weight.

Art Deco

Contemporary

So next time you recognize this pattern, mention it by name and impress those around you!