Fur trade Russia exported raw furs, consisting in most cases of the pelts of martens, beavers, wolves, foxes, squirrels and hares. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Russians began to settle in Siberia, a region rich in many mammal fur species, such as Arctic fox, lynx, sable, sea otter and stoat (ermine). In a search for the prized sea otter pelts, first used in China, and later for the northern fur seal, the Russian Empire expanded into North America, notably Alaska. From the 17th through the second half of the 19th century, Russia was the world's largest supplier of fur. The fur
Conservation and restoration of fur objects belonged to Louis XIV and Louis XV. "Its skin was varnished and stretched over a frame of wooden hoops." The skin is now on display at the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris, but is it unlikely it could be remounted. The care and cleaning of fur objects should always be undertaken by a trained collections manager or conservator. Provided there is no shedding issue, brushing is the first step in cleaning fur objects. Light brushing, using a paintbrush, will help dislodge any particulate soiling, surface dust, and insect frass. Stiffer natural brushes can be used if the dirt is