Shell Decorative Objects

Wonderful pair of candlesticks in bronze with eggs style Gabriela Crespi circa 1950.

A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...

18th century exceptional Italian carved wood and polychromed figure depicting baby Jesus holding the world in his hand, he has halo made from sterling silver and the globe is also sterling silver.This piece would have originally been dressed in an elaborate gown and would have been changed into different attire depending on the holy season. Extremely detailed and the carving is exceptional. this piece came from a very reputable merchant in Verona, I did inherit it from my mother in Law...

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 ...

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...

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

The ELLA boxes translate the spirit of the collection into a more intimate format. Crafted in wood, lacquer, or eggshell marquetry, they combine clean lines with refined finishes. Th...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

Turuza Wauja – Two-headed Bird Sculpture-Bench, 2024 Hand-carved by Indigenous Wauja artisans from the Xingu region in Brazil, this remarkable sculpture-bench represents a two-heade...

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...

The "Vase Cosmos" in a light pattern by R&Y Augousti exudes an ethereal elegance, combining luxurious shagreen with the soft shimmer of mother of pearl for a striking visual effect. ...

A large Japanese Namban lacquer arqueta coffer for the Portuguese market Kyoto, Momoyama-period, late 16th century In Hinoki cypress lacquered in ...

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...

This exquisite English walnut writing box is a true testament to 19th century craftsmanship, featuring intricate mother of pearl and satinwood inlay. The elegant floral motif at the ...

A rare and beautiful Thai cast and gilt bronze seated Buddha with shell inlaid eyes, style of Wat Chedi Luang, Lan Na Kingdom, Northern Thailand, region of Chiang Mai, late 15th cent...

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. ...

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 ...

Pair of beautiful 1980’s penshell vases by Maitland Smith. In beautiful original vintage condition. Constructed of wood covered with tessellated penshell and lacquered. Measureme...

Three-Handle Calabrese Pots – Hand-Thrown Ceramic (Calabria, Late 1800s) Introducing a remarkable piece of culinary history with these exquisite three-handle Calabrese pots, expert...

Beautiful decorative handcrafted mahogany wood and natural abalone shell (Paua) inlay cigarette stash/trinket box. Made in New Zealand and still has the original tag on the top. The ...

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...

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...

The Following Items we are offering are a Rare Pair of Large Original Maitland Smith Impressive Cast Bronze and Patinated Parrots resting on Tree Stumps, their wing and tail feathers...

Pair of Blackened Wood Bowls with Rattan Rim and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay - 1980s Set of 2 handcrafted wooden bowls or dishes from Southeast Asia, most likely the Philippines. Each pi...

Sculptural 18th century Italian crucifix mounted on jasper with crystal points. The crystal points create more sunrays around the halo of the crucifix. The reddish tips of the crysta...

Mid-century pair of Anthony Redmile urns crafted with an eccentric array of materials featuring amethyst stone, ostrich eggs, boar tusks and carved ebony all in a dramatic compositio...

Fish sculpture made of fragments from the 18th and 19th century. The piece also has element from nature including a shark's jaw. A real conversation piece!

This exquisite and rare vintage Maitland Smith large hinged box box has a beautiful medallion on top of a black stone set into brass. The box is a beautiful combination of horn, abal...

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 ...

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 ...

Unique Handmade rattan and shell Vase made in the Philippines.

Vintage Asian Octagonal Lacquer Box With Turtle Closure. Lovely 20th century Asian lacquer box with Greek key design and a metal turtle closure. Th...

This late 19th century English trinket box has an elegant design of lacquered papier-mâché with mother-of-pearl inlay. The inlaid decoration depicts a spray of various flowers which ...

A beautiful natural specimen, Charonia is a genus of very large sea snail, commonly known as Triton's trumpet or Triton snail. They are marine gastropod moll...

Sculptural 18th century Italian cross with fossil agate coral and mounted on fossil coral. The fossil agate coral and fossil coral are put together with the 18th century cross to lo...

A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze and abalone blotter corners, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter corners signed ...

Decorative lidded box by R&Y Augousti Paris France circa 1990s Circular shagreen box with a sunburst lid of bronze framed agate radial elements centered by a domed mosaic of abalon...

1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass) Shell with crack in it (as shown) Stand not sold with frame Hinged arm missing from back of frame

A 19th century English box that has inlaid mother of pearl and silver. Box has a removable tray with different compartments and a wonderful flame stitch paper inside. A very beautifu...

Fantastic Atlantic sea shell professionally mounted on a natural coral base, artistically hand embedded with small rocks crystal pieces that make beautiful one of a kind object of ar...

Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...

Large Vintage Maitland-Smith Mother of Pearl Box. The top inlaid with a strip of brass. The box sits on top of round ball feet.

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...

Vintage jewelry box in faux tessellated tortoise shell with mother-of-pearl and Abolone shell edge, circa 1970s. Simple, elegant and unique. Bin #N Jj

A hand crafted Sea shell box in a heart shape. The box is hinged and opens with a brass chain to hold open. Lined in red felt. A great gift, wedding o...

Mid century Italian nautilus shell enhanced with silver plate overlay and presented on a silvered faux rock base. Signed Ruzzetti & Gow on the bottom.

Long ago, this elegant rosewood box was used by a Qing-dynasty lady to store her favorite pieces of jewelry, each drawer filled with jades, pearls, coral necklaces, and hair pins. Th...

An exceptional vintage Coastal bust of woman. A beautiful profile of a serene woman. A beautiful collection of shells wrap around her head and neck. Acqu...

A lovely vanity box crafted out of Calamander with brass inlay. It is by the prestigious British firm Sampson Mordan & Co of London. The utensils feature mother of pearl handles and ...

Renzo Cassetti Vintage shell bowl Mid Century Design Italy, 1960s Great shell-shaped vintage bowl made of brass by Renzo Cassetti designed in Italy in the 1960s. The bowl was made e...

Bring a touch of seaside charm to your home or garden with this delightful pair of vintage shell-encrusted terracotta pots. Each planter is lovingly adorned with an artful mosaic of real sea shells—spirals, scallops, and conchs—set against a textured white plaster surface that enhances their beachy, handcrafted character. These coastal gems are perfect for showcasing succulents, herbs, or decorative accents, offering a whimsical yet natural aesthetic that recalls the relaxed vibe of vintage beach cottages...

This plaster bust made in 19Thc depicts a male figure, probably a distinguished personage or wealthy gentleman. was enriched and embellished with a decoration of natural polychrome s...

This 1960s French ornate inlaid jewelry box is a striking decorative object that captures the playful elegance of mid-century design. The exterior is meticulously adorned with an arr...

The Cosmos Vase by R&Y Augousti is a stunning fusion of artisanal craftsmanship and modern design, making it an extraordinary addition to any luxury space. Handcrafted from luxurious...

This brass and pencil reed rattan trinket basket is a refined decorative accent with the glamorous, organic-modern sensibility associated with pieces in the style of Gabriella Crespi...

Japanese Contemporary porcelain decorative vase, extremely intricately hand painted in underglaze cobalt blue on an elegant bottle shape porcelain body, a signed piece by widely accl...

Striking group of five mid century assorted seashell specimens sculpturally enhanced with a silver overlay. Priced individually. Top Left H: 5 W: 8 D: 5.5 $1,450.00 Top Cente...

A stunning Japanese Edo period lacquer tanzakubako, box for poem cards, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo Period, Japan. Attributed to the Igarashi School, this box is masterfully ...

A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...

Two exquisite Japanese musha ningyo dolls, crafted as courtiers, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The older man can be identified as the h...