The natural world has always amazed humans and has been of great inspiration to all cultures. Starting from the 15th century onwards, the famous Cabinets of Curiosities, or Wunderkammers, appeared in the houses of the nobility and rich merchants in Europe.  The idea of such Cabinets or rooms was that the owner should feel as if he was the centre of the universe, surrounded by all the elements. The Wunderkammers were filled with miracles of the natural world such as fine coral specimens, fossils, minerals, gemstones, taxidermy, shells and much more. Some of the pieces were highly sought after and a lively trade commenced. 

In the 19th century, especially in Victorian England, there was a great urge for a scientific approach to the natural world, driven by scientists such as Charles Darwin. Animals in their natural habitat were observed and described, and soon there was a great desire for taxidermy, as the people 'at home' who could never see these creatures in real life wished them close by. Victorian taxidermy is prized for beautiful display cabinets or glass domes, showing animals in their habitat, perfectly sculpted and naturalistically modelled. 

Zebregs&Röell highly values the natural world, and therefore only trades in antique specimens or animals that died of natural cause. We hope that these might spark a bit of love for the natural world. We value the pieces that are already there, hunted and made in a time the human race thought mother nature was inexhaustible, we are against hunting for pleasure or for new taxidermy.

Please note that all our pieces come with a 'pre-1947 statement' or CITES-documents and we strictly abide international and national nature conservation laws - we are glad to be of service with obtaining CITES documents, although purchasing is at your own responsibility.