Eugène Printz, "cabinetmaker and son of cabinetmaker", said to a journalist, in 1934: "I have always been
moved by the mysterious beauty that emerges from the conjugation of curves and straight lines. Above all
else, I want my furniture to be alive (...) I have no definite feeling for or against the ornament. These pieces
that you look at are of value, in my opinion, by the mere purity of their lines. But I am pleased to display here, this marquetry. In doing so, I do not feel I am demeaning myself.”
Antoine Shapira graduated from Ecole Boulle (Paris, France) in section «Ebénisterie » in 1980, .
Major influences are J.F Oeben cabinetmaker Paris 18th century, F Linke cabinetmaker Paris early 20th, The Herter brothers Nyc early 20th, Paul Iribe, Pierre Chareau, Eileen Gray, Steinway pianos makers Nyc for their dedication to their workers and the multitude of nameless artisans, across the centuries, whose work is the core of the European “Menuiserie” and “Ebénisterie“ tradition.
Antoine Shapira is presentely leaving and practicing in Beirut.