Europe began importing shagreen-covered objects during 17th and 18th centuries in the mid-1700s, a tanner in Paris became the first European expert, Monsieur Galluchat. Louis XV's most famous mistress, Madame-de-Pompadour, was his dominant patron and shagreen was her favorite, so became a luxury court material. A wonderful midnight-blue desk set composed of a pen holder and a clock-paperweight.