Shell Decorative Objects

20th Century Tribal Kina Shell Pectoral Necklace by unknown jeweler Kina shells were traditionally worn in the western highlands of Papua New Guinea as pectorals, either with a fibe...

Victorian carved whole conch Shell c1880. Beautiful and rare item to find! This was hand carved in Italy, likely a souvenir of a Grand Tour. The subject of the carving is of St Georg...

This a monumental clam shell displayed on a Victorian black wrought iron plant stand. Both are very heavy and in very good condition. Plant stand: 12” triangle x 39.75”H.

Whelk Seashell 12”W, 7”D, 6”H Half Clam Shell 10”W. 7”D, 4”H Horned Helmet Conch9”L, 7”H, 7”W

Collection of four large conch shells and a piece of coral.

Calcite crystal cluster adorned with natural forming gold baroque pearls in its matrix. Calcite is the most abundant carbonate on Earth and commonly forms in caves, hot springs, an...

An exceptional and rare Chinese mother of pearl mounted games box with four matching interior boxes containing gaming counters and dating from the 18th century. The rectangular shape...

Georgian (George III) Period, sterling silver-mounted etched mother-of-pearl octagonal snuff box with hinged lid, London, year-hallmarked for 1803. The iridescent mother-of-pearl lid...

Mixed metal footed tray, created by Mexican silversmiths, features a Modernist abstract crab form with creab legs serving as tray's feet. The piece is decorated with a graphic patter...

Tortoiseshell tea caddy with inlaid mother of pearl from England. Metal lined under two lids.  Excellent condition, circa 1860.

Mughal style pietra dura marble bowl - hand made - featuring a floral design with lapis lazuli, malachite, mother-of-pearl and turquoise inlay - unsigned - India - mid 20th century. ...

A rare and very fine quality antique figural Palais Royal mother-of-pearl needlecase, etui or bodkin, hand-carved in the form of a young man wearing a Renaissance style hat, made in ...

BrittleStar Fossil Specimen, 443 to 485 Million Years Old, Ordovician Period. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available thereafter.*** This is a st...

A stunning vintage Moorish arabesque inlaid table box, 20th century, high quality rectangular box with hinged lid, featuring contrasting mother of pearl, exotic hardwood, and bone marquetry inlay arranged in geometric patterns, opening to red fabric lined interior. Dimensions: (approx) 3" High, 16.75" Wide, 6 1/8" Deep; 3.2lbs As warm and attractive as it is functional, having the ideal large size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including concealing a remote control on your coffee table or sofa table, or as a jewelry casket, trinket case...

An exceptional Indo-Portuguese colonial mother-of-pearl veneered casket with silver mounts India, Gujarat, 2nd half of the 16th century, the silver mounts Goa or probably Lisbon Measures: H. 16 x W. 24.6 x D. 16.1 cm An exceptional Gujarati casket with a rectangular box and truncated pyramidal lid (with slopes on each side and a flat top) made from exotic wood, probably teak (Tectona grandis), covered with a mother-of-pearl mosaic. The tesserae, cut from the shell of the green turban sea snail (Turbo marmoratus, a marine gastropod) in the shape of fish scales, are pinned to the wooden structure with silver ball-headed nails. The casket is set on bracket feet on the corners. The masterfully engraved decoration of the silver mounts follows the most refined and erudite Mannerist repertoire of rinceaux and ferroneries dating from the mid-16th century. The high quality and refinement of the silver mounts and, likewise, the silver nails that replaced the original brass pins used to hold the mother-of-pearl tesserae in place indicate the work of a silversmith probably working in Lisbon in the second half of the 16th century. The Indian origin of this production, namely from Cambay (Khambhat) and Surat in the present state of Gujarat in north India, is, as for the last three decades, consensual and fully demonstrated, not only by documentary and literary evidence - such as descriptions, travelogues and contemporary archival documentation - but also by the survival in situ of 16th-century wooden structures covered in mother-of-pearl tesserae. A fine example is a canopy decorating the tomb (dargah) of the Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti (1478-1572) in Fatehpur Sikri in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, north India. This is an artistic production, geometric in character and Islamic in nature, where usually the mother-of-pearl tesserae form complex designs of fish scales or, similar to the dishes also made using the same technique, with the thin brass sheets and pins, stylized lotus flowers. The truncated pyramidal shape corresponds, like their contemporary tortoiseshell counterparts also made in Gujarat, to a piece of furniture used in the Indian subcontinent within the Islamic world prior to the arrival of the first Portuguese. This shape, in fact, is very old and peculiar to East-Asian caskets, chests or boxes used to contain and protect Buddhist texts, the sutras. A similar chest is the famous and large reliquary chest from Lisbon cathedral that once contained the relics of the city's patron saint, Saint Vincent. Both match in shape, having the same kind of socle or pedestal and bracket feet, and in their engraved silver mountings, featuring the same type of refined, erudite decoration. Their differences lie in the silver borders that frame the entire length of the edges of the chest (both the box and the lid), pinned with silver nails, and on the lock plate, shaped like a coat of arms in the Lisbon example. Given the exceptional dimensions of the reliquary casket...

A neutral tan marble picture frame with brass and mother of pearl accents, in the Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Picture area: 3.19" Width x 5.13"...

Exquisite handcrafted Middle Eastern Lebanese mosaic marquetry wood box. Small octagonal walnut Syrian style box intricately decorated with Moorish...

Lofty group of four Anglo Indian swan sculptures or objects of art handcrafted with sea or nautilus shells and hammered metalwork bases necks and heads with stone eyes. Largest: H: ...

Fossil agate coral adorned with iridescent fossil ammonites. The grey piece of fossil agate coral is cut and polished and adorned with the iridescent...

Louis XVIII (1814-1824) From our Sewing Box collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this superb Palais Royal Mulberry Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of sarcophagus shape beautifully veneered in Mulberry wood with cut steel faceted stud decoration raised upon small ball feet with a central mother of pearl vacant initial plaque and large looped handle to the lid. The interior of the Sewing Box contains an internal mirror, silk cushion and a removable tool pad with seven mother of pearl tools, four with gold pansies enamel decoration and a scent bottle. The Palais Royal Mulberry Sewing Box dates to the The French Sewing Box...

This stunning modern desk tidy, vide poche or catchall, boasts a large ovoid shape with an extra-thick acrylic resin slab and an important seashell insert. The luminous acrylic resin...

A beautiful Custom Brass Stand with Scroll design and an Ostrich Egg. The Ostrich Egg is interchangeable with a crystal or Murano Paperweight. This gives a collection of objects ...

A very beautiful large grouping of all natural seashells. Vessel contains over 50+ matte white and tan/brown/off-white seashells in long/oblong hand-carved wood centerpiece...

A gorgeous Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts period silvered bronze and inlaid abalone inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: ...

A rare, incredible and large antique Chinese carved mother of pearl mounted tea caddy with armorial for MacPherson and dating from circa...

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...

Rare and remarkable very large vintage Fijian ceremonial kava bowl carved from the vesi tree or pacific teak in a turtle form with inscribed details and mother of pearl highlights.

A fine 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made with inlaid veneers of burled walnut with mother of pearl inlay and ebonized trim. Bronze mounted wit...

Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf fragment. Mica, and natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic selenite crystals from Morocco that were formed in extensive beds by the evaporation of ocean brine. This mineral is characterized by a silky, pearly luster called satin spar. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the artist and creative director of Interi. The date of manufacture reflects when she created the piece but the Italian fragment is originally 18th century. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...

Antique 19th century Anglo-Indian jewelry, trinket footed box, inlay with ebony, mosaic marquetry Sadeli work and a carved Hindu scene on top. The box case is made from sandalwood wi...

A very beautiful vintage seashell [sea shell] tissue box holder cover, Victorian design, circa early to mid-20th century. Box is wood and covered wit...

Pair of Natural Striped Chambered Nautilus Half Shells Nautilus Pompulus Philippines; harvested in the 20th century Approximate size: 6.75 (w) x 5.5 (h) x 2.75 (d) in. Nautilus sh...

A natural Wunderkammer specimen a pair of marine diorama with Hermit Crab (Pagurus Bernhardus) a brunch, fan shaped of Horny coral, reef, shells. The Specimens are mounted inside a glass...

Antique original British Colonial sea Shell encrusted small box Sailors Valentines.

This vintage coastal box is beautifully encrusted with an array of natural shells, creating a stunning, textured surface that captures the essence of beachside charm. Perfect as a de...

A truly one-of-a-kind sculptural masterpiece by the esteemed American artist Joseph Malekan, renowned for his ability to harmoniously blend natural elements into luxurious, Organic M...

This is a very stylish tessellated pen shell, bone and wood box most likely by Maitland Smith and made in the Philippines. This long, slender beauty measures 15 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 2.75"...

A lovely bow front tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl flowers and topped with a silver badge. English, circa 1870.

2020 handmade shell ball sculpture.

20th Century African Cameroon Namji Doll for Prosperity, Health & Fertility Offered for sale in a 20th-century African Namji doll from the Namji tribe of ...

Antique Victorian letter box crafted with a domed top and extensively inlaid with luminous mother of pearl. The surface reflects fine 19th century...

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...

An exquisite pair of floral dioramas, crafted with a meticulous composition of seashells, conch shells, and mother-of-pearl, arranged in the form of three-dimensional floral bouquets...

1950s Los Castillo modern silver vase from Mexico Finely crafted hand-wrought silver over copper with abalone inlay detail. Signed Los Castillo Taxco Mexico. 5 tall x 5 diameter ...

The body and hinged lid with mother of pearl and brass-line inlay. The fitted interior is lined with purple velvet. With a brass escutcheon and bun foot.

A beautiful natural starfish dipped in a light-gold finish. A great decorative object for a shelf, on top of books, cocktail table, a vanity or bath a...

Large Polished Ammonite Shell Fossil, Cleoniceras Species, 100 million+ yrs old. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing in May and items will not be available thereafter.*** A truly ...

Maitland Smith Tessellated Horn And Abalone Fish Sculpture. Offered is a large Hollywood Regency tessellated horn, abalone and brass fish sculpture by Maitland Smith. See photo for l...

An English Victorian Japanned papier mache desk set with mother of pearl inlay and elaborate rich polychrome painted flower decoration. The charm...

Decorative fresh water turtle shell professionally mounted on onyx base, the shell is cleaned and seal with clear protective satin finish. And the back is upholstered with fine qual...

Sculptural driftwood with fossil agate coral, crystal points, and fossil shells. Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore of a large body ...

This appealing vintage planter merges rustic garden aesthetics with coastal charm, featuring a wide terracotta pot base entirely hand-encrusted with a mosaic of natural shells. The e...

This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in rich doré bronze. The hinged box contains a remov...

A luxurious English writing box of circa 1879, in the manner of Tunbridge Ware using burled walnut that has been inlaid with mother-of-pearl and geometric marquetry. The top of the l...

Chinoiserie pagoda. Very decorative Italian painted plaster and wood three-tiered pagoda alla Mongiardino emanating from marine inspired grotto base with four masks issuing water in...

Hollywood regency shell and burl jewelry box Italy 1970s shell, burl H 6.5 cm - 20 x 17 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.

Lovely Assortment of Decorative Shells of all species including Queen, spider conchs, brain and branch coral, all great for decorative use. Small natural losses but overall very nice...

Cornucopia of nautilus shell and lizard mounted on bronze tree in the style of Tony Duqette attributed to Maitland Smith. Lizard has a beautiful tessellated panshell detail on the ba...

Beautiful natural clamshell with cream color patina, professionally clean and mounted on original natural coral base, some crystal quartz accents. Great nat...

A large scale brass mounted gallery glass with a mother of pearl veneered handle. Probably Palais Royal France, circa 1840 Measure: Length 12 inches.