Shell Scholar's Objects

Antique Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Snuff Bottle, Guangzho, Circa 1850. A thin circular flattened form known as a sleeve bottle (easily kept in the sleeve of a garment). The material is...

Antique Vietnamese Shell Inlaid Tea Tray (Khay, go kham trai) a rectangular raised footed tray having four kneeling legs connected with bottom elbowed stretchers. The legs, skirt, interior and railing all decorated on the exterior surface with inset shaped mother-of-pearl shell pieces in subtle shimmering hues of flora and fauna motifs with Chinese key fret and flora vignettes with butterflies and birds. The galleried and footed tray crafted entirely of rosewood with mortise and tenon joinery. Minor inset shell losses, evidence of previous cracks, restored condition. Measuring: 4 in. high x 12.25 in. wide x 7.5 in. deep. (102 x 312 x 190mm) Weight 1 lb. 12.1 oz. (797g.) Nguyen Dynasty, 19th - 20th Century. Provenance: Copper Red, Bangkok L’Asie Exotique, Palm Springs, CA For similar examples see: Co Vat Viet Nam: Vietnamese Antiques...

A Rare Mughal Indian Gold and Enamel Mother of Pearl Spoon with Diamonds Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Mughal India with this rare and...

A six panel screen in black paint with overall gilt scrolled and carved and painted wood applied low relief decoration with some Mother-of-Pearl details. Scenes with pavilions and fi...

A charming Korean keyaki (Japanese elm), lacquer, and mother-of-pearl inlaid personal accessory chest for a woman, Joseon Dynasty, early 19th century or earlier, Korea. The small ac...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

A finely crafted antique Chinese mother-of-pearl snuff bottle dating to the late Qing to early Republic period, circa 1910. Of flattened rectangular form, the bottle is elaborately ...

Horagai conch shell trumpet with beautiful patination and bronze mouthpiece. This Horagai conch shell trumpet is a rare and valuable piece of Japanese history and culture. It was made in the Late Edo period (18th-19th century) and is in fine original condition with expected abrasions due to the significant age of the item. The trumpet is made of a conch shell with a bronze mouthpiece. It measures 34x 16.5 x 13 cm (13.5 / 6.5 / 5 inch) and weighs 1.2kg (2.5 lb). The trumpet has a beautiful patina, resulting from years of use and exposure to the elements. The bronze mouthpiece is also in good condition and shows no signs of wear. The trumpet is powerful and can produce a loud, clear sound. It was traditionally used in Japanese ceremonies and festivals and is still used today by some Shinto priests...

Fine antique Chinese mother-of-pearl snuff bottle of substantial flattened ovoid form, finely carved in relief and incised with extensive figural scenes across both principal faces. ...

A highly unusual Japanese crackle glazed koro (incense burner or censer), lacquered and inlaid with mother-of-pearl embellishment, signed Gyokusen, Ed...

Conch shell recipient and container for holy water used in ceremonies. Known as “Buddha ears”, they were mounted as a sound instrument. Such shells are important ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhism...