DC: the bow was first introduced in fb. There was some discussion about the decoration and the artist. Wasn't the guy a bit famous?
In the past the decorator actually was often better paid and more appreciated than the bowyer. If you look more into the gilding and really, really complex decorations, its quite apparent.
That's why there was a bowyer and decorator separately. The birch bark or leather cover might have been done by the bowyer.
It's interesting stuff. Don't know if myself would have ever the patience to do that kind of gilding job... Maybe after 30 years of bow making when i'm retired and all. Hah.
Oh yes, here is the nice bow that Peter also sold in the past:
http://mandarinmansion.com/very-fine-antique-ottoman-bow