Shell Decorative Objects

A 19th Century French Napoleon III marquetry box made of rosewood veneer with fine mother-of-pearl and brass inlay. The interior is lined in paper and the inside of the lid has a mir...

Embodying luxury, artistry and utility, this exquisite mother of pearl bowl is made with meticulous care to detail. Handmade with precision and masterful skill, each mosaic piece car...

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

This exquisite French pill box combines the mastery of the French goldsmithing tradition with the radiance of citrine. The box was crafted by the celebrated French jeweler Gustave-Roger Sandoz, who was renowned for producing exceptional pieces with a variety of gems in the Art Nouveau style. In this example, he brilliantly combined pieces of highly translucent, golden citrine with gold to create the exquisite box. The texture of the carving is exceptional, with a natural and dynamic motif that evokes the very best tenets of the Art Nouveau style. The gold rim is further decorated with tiny beads, while a pearl-mounted gold leaf finial completes the exceptional piece. Maison Gustave Sandoz...

One-of-a-kind natural mineral specimen sculpture, entitled "Venice Rising," created from an 18th-century Italian patinated parcel-giltwood candlestick and embellished with quartz, mu...

Sizeable rectangular, wooden coffer with its key. The blackened wood is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and brass. The lid and the main face of the box are r...

Ammonite Fossil Specimen Mortoniceras Drakeoceras, 110 Million Years Old, USA. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available thereafter.*** We love the...

A rare large polished quartz geode with cream and golden hues and naturally forming crystal druzy formations. This specimen is from the Appalachian region of Kentucky. This was dug by hand and includes golden druzy crystal formations. This is a particularly large geode specimen...

Brulé means 'burnt' in French. Raw and delicate, the Brulé boxes evoke the idea of baked earth or ashes. There is a powerful energy in the details of decisio...

Elevate your space with this exceptionally rare vintage seashell box, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship and natural beauty. Adorned with a curated arrangement of hand-selected seashells in soft lavenders, rose-pinks, creams, and ivory, this one-of-a-kind coastal treasure box evokes the romance of old-world seaside glamour. Likely crafted in the mid-20th century, this shell-encrusted jewelry box features a charming domed lid and intricate shell mosaic work—making it a standout addition to any vintage coastal decor, cottagecore aesthetic, or grandmillennial interior. Whether styled on a vanity, nestled into a bookshelf, or offered as a luxurious gift, this box blends nostalgia with natural elegance. Key Features: Authentic vintage seashell trinket box, circa 1950s–1970s Completely handmade using real seashells, no two alike Gorgeous palette of pastel shells: mauve, blush, ivory, taupe Functional hinged lid and purple velvet-lined interior Ideal for jewelry storage, keepsakes, or as an heirloom gift Excellent vintage condition with rich patina and natural wear Styling Ideas: Style atop a Louis XV bombe chest...

One of a kind clock made of real seashells, supported by an acrylic base. Fully functioning.

A pair of ornately carved and pierced picture frames circa 1940. Corners are inlaid with mother of pearl. The windows measure 4.3/8” by 6.1/4”.

Art Decò Italian Signed Hand-Painted Wunderkammer Item Fully enamelled and hand-painted shell Features the F.D. monogram A magnificent objet d’art produced in Italy in the purest Ar...

Once owned by Leon Boissier Palun (1916-2007), former Senegalese ambassador to London and Paris, this mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period palisander game box features a...

Circular polished agate slice with natural forming pearl. Agate is formed within volcanic rock, creating colorful and complex varieties of banded chalcedony and crystal quartz; a pr...

This Vide poche is a shell, in white color.

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...

This highly decorative box dates to the early 20th century and it is a rare folk art piece based around a Victorian pine box and later decorated with a bold well arranged collection of English shells which has been glued onto its four sides in graduated matching boarders with an interesting collective display of individual ones on the top. This most interesting and eye catching box is in good condition. The shells show some age related patination. The pine box is raised onto plain square block feet. It is fitted with the original good strong brass hinges and a working Victorian brass lock and key...

Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Sasak, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry o...

Doll by Emma Amiotte, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, S. Dakota A wonderful "No Face Doll", probably made by Emma Amiotte. The green wool dress is adorned with small glass beads on t...

This is really quite a wonderful dish set in solid bronze and has beautiful detail depicting two dolphins. All original. Circa 1800s.

Refined and sensual small accessories for the desk or vanity have been loved and enjoyed by collectors or aesthetes for many centuries. Examples of beautiful, delicate workmanship ca...

A 17th century silver mounted Coromandel wood with mother of pearl inlay traveling box with a Interior fitted with drawers and a reliquary cabinet. W...

Pair of Charles X ring holders (baguiers) with ormolu mounts embellished with small flowers. A high backing of mother-of-pearl joins a small, ormolu bowl featuring openwork interlaci...

18th century Italian crucifix with gold-plated kyanite, calcite crystals in matrix, and baroque pearls. The crucifix is originally from a church in Liguria. It is hand-carved and pai...

Great set of 4 Sailors Valentines sea shell encrusted boxes and photo frames. All original natural Florida sea shells.

A delightful French basket mounted in doré bronze which provides the framework for the six panels veneered in mother-of-pearl and set with French porcelain plaques...

A round vintage scalloped capiz photo frame. This piece will be a great addition to a bedside table, bookshelf, or side table. The frame is created from pearlized capiz which is arra...

A striking vintage decorative box by Maitland-Smith, showcasing the brand’s signature use of exotic materials and refined craftsmanship. The surface features a bold harlequin pattern...

This series is made using eggshells discarded from an ice cream shop and shells from Tong-yeong, Korea. There is an ice cream shop that makes gelato next to The WKND Lab’s workspace....

This series is made using eggshells discarded from an ice cream shop and shells from Tong-yeong, Korea. There is an ice cream shop that makes gelato next to The WKND Lab’s workspace....

A 19th Century French Napoleon III marquetry box, hand-crafted of walnut and burl veneers and ebonized panels. Fine mother-of-pearl and brass inlay decoration of birds, butterflies a...

The Tempera series is made with upcycled duck egg yolk discarded by the pharmaceutical industry which is bio-degradable. Every piece is hand-made, color and measurement may slightly ...

Original decorative sculpture in the shape of a dog, crafted entirely from carefully assembled natural seashells. The piece stands out for its rich texture and chromatic contrast bet...

White Makrana marble, used to build the Taj Mahal, from Indian is the densest marble on the planet. This handmade octagonal shaped makrana marble box ha...

Antique 19th Century quality rosewood inlaid drop dial wall clock, having a quality antique Victorian rosewood mother of pearl inlaid wall clock, having a large 12 inch dial to the c...

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Large Beautiful and Highly Decorative Natural Sea Shell. I purchased a collection of large shells from an antique store in Newport.

Indian "Bombay" dresser/jewelry box with a mirror in the lid and raised on a "tray" base with silvered feet. The exterior with exotic wood and sadeli work (micro-mosaic inlay) framin...

Exceptional Maitland Smith Tasselated tiger cowrie sea shells boxes with bronze shells top handles and bronze sea shell foot. Palisander wood inside . Stamped Maitland Smith. Set of...

This series is made using eggshells discarded from an ice cream shop and shells from Tong-yeong, Korea. There is an ice cream shop that makes gelato next to The WKND Lab’s workspace....

Use the 1stdibs call button anytime you want to have a pleasant conversation about this item and speak to a real, educated antique dealer. Measures 23 in diameter x 5.25 tall Thi...

This series is made using eggshells discarded from an ice cream shop and shells from Tong-yeong, Korea. There is an ice cream shop that makes gelato next to The WKND Lab’s workspace....

Tessellated penshell decorative box with black velvet interior attributed to Maitland Smith

Deconstructed Spiny Spider Crab (Maja Brachydactyla) Specimen Under Custom Glass Case: Maja brachydactyla belongs to the Majidae family and is a type of crab. Initially considered a...

Quality antique 19th Century rosewood inlaid drop dial wall clock, having a quality antique Victorian rosewood mother of pearl inlaid wall clock, having a large 12 inch dial to the c...

A male necklace from the Asmat Village, Papua New Guinea. Two rows of large polished shells in concentric rows, seamlessly sewn onto a cotton macramé base, which has been hand-knott...

Tea Caddy made of rosewood with extensive mother-of-pearl decoration to the top and front. Special features include bun feet and unusual handles on either side with mother-of-pearl b...

Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern mosaic marquetry inlaid walnut wood box. vintage small trinket box intricately decorated with Moorish motif des...

Large decorative butterfly and grasshopper sculpture bowls from Mexico circa 1950's. In the style of Los Castillo. Each is signed with makers mar...

This delightful gold and mother of pearl vinaigrette is ripe with 19th-century charm. Emblazoned with the initials "E.L" for its original owner, the book-shaped vinaigrette almost ce...

A French art deco modernist cigarette case. This is a gorgeous cigarettes case created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in the 1925-1930. The case has been crafted i...

PRESENTING a LOVELY 19C Anglo Indian Bombay MOP (Mother of Pearl) Sadeli Mosaic Trinket Box from circa 1875-85. Gorgeously detailed and hand-crafted ‘sadeli mosaic’ inlay, from the Bombay Area, with deep greens with silver, pewter, mother of pearl, bone and ebony in geometric patterns. The box case, is made of sandalwood but completely covered in MOP, bone, faux ivory, ebony and mosaic inlay. Edged with faux ivory and banded with a different pattern of sadeli mosaic. Some minor damage to the top (repair is obvious in pics) and ivorine replacements to some edging, but it still a BEAUTIFUL BOX and of real QUALITY! The mosaic work is FABULOUS! Box opens to reveal its original blue velvet lining. It sits on 4 (recently added) silvered button feet. SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...

Papua New Guinea standing male ancestral figure. Hand carved from a single piece of wood. Beautiful old pigmented surface w/ finely decorated facial features and shell eyes. Good sig...

A male necklace from the Asmat Village, Papua New Guinea. Large Money Cowrie shells (used in earlier times as currency) seamlessly sewn in concentric rows onto a white cotton macra...

A pyramid shaped box having 4 graduating drawers with brass ball knobs . Made of polished pen shell which is a material that the manufacturer Maitland Smith often used. All sitting u...

Beautiful vintage vase of shells. Made in the 1970s. Every centimeter of this vintage vase is adorned with seashells. It is a heavy, well-crafted and intricately designed shell art...

Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...

Helio Jar Small, Sickle Pattern. Eggshell was applied before five to seven layers of viscous treacle black lacquer were added, sanded between layers and finally polished. A single ar...