STEINWAY & SONS X STUDIO PAELIS: A MASTERPIECE COLLECTION IN STRAW MARQUETRY

The Straw Marquetry Masterpiece Collection was created in collaboration with the Lyon-based straw marquetry atelier Studio Paelis. The collection showcases the historic decorative art of straw marquetry, applied to the inside lid and note desk of select Steinway grand pianos, uniting centuries-old craftsmanship with the musical excellence of Steinway & Sons.

Two designs: Classic Sunburst and Concentric Waves

The collection introduces two distinctive designs. Classic Sunburst features strands of straw arranged to radiate outward from a central point, much like rays of sunshine, creating a striking play of light across the inside lid and note desk. The second design, Concentric Waves, draws its inspiration from sound itself: straw is laid in smooth, flowing rings that spread outward like ripples on water, evoking the invisible movement of music through the air.

Straw marquetry: An extraordinary decorative technique

Straw marquetry is distinguished by its natural golden sheen and remarkable luminosity. Originating in Europe in the early 17^th century, straw marquetry has been prized for its silky gloss and vibrant tones — an exceptional decorative technique used to embellish fine furniture and objects, valued alongside the rarest of materials.

Three colourways: Natural, Black and Blue

Each design is offered in three colourways: Natural, Black and Blue. Central to the identity of Studio Paelis, these tones were a natural choice for the collaboration: their softness, depth and visual strength mirror the understated elegance that defines the Steinway universe, while bringing a quiet radiance to each instrument.

Stunning craftsmanship with straw from Burgundy

Studio Paelis works exclusively with rye straw sourced from a grain grower in Burgundy. Each strand arrives in its natural tubular form, then is split and flattened by hand into a supple, glossy ribbon, before being glued one by one to create direction, rhythm and pattern. For each Steinway grand piano, this process alone requires approximately one month of work for a single person.

Straw Marquetry Masterpiece Collection with SPIRIO | r Technology

All instruments are equipped with Steinway's SPIRIO | r, the world's most advanced high-resolution player piano. Using Steinway's patented sensor system, SPIRIO | r captures every nuance of the hammers and pedalling, and SPIRIOCAST makes it possible to share performances in real time between Steinway pianos around the world.

Strictly limited

The collection will be produced in strictly limited numbers:

• Model B (211cm): 18 instruments per colour for each design
• Model D (274cm): 8 instruments per colour for each design

With this Limited Masterpiece Collection, Steinway & Sons continues its tradition of creating extraordinary instruments that unite musical excellence with the finest traditions of craftsmanship and design.