Shell Sculptures

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...

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

18th century Italian "Florence fragment" vase with an elestial quartz point, chalcedony rosettes, and ecphora shells on a petrified wood base. The elestial quartz has an additional c...

18th century Italian fragment topped with natural forming clusters of fossil shells and barnacles. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found and saved from the histori...

Cosmetic Vessel ‘Hinted Bird’ type Ancient Phoenician, Eastern Mediterranean, Late 7th - early 6th century B.C. Carved, incised and smoothed Tridacna (clam) shell 15 cm long 8 cm wide 4 cm high Provenance: Private collection, UK (acquired before 1983) This subtle, anthropomorphically carved clam shell, represents an ancient iron age cosmetic vessel made in the Phoenician region of the eastern mediterranean, during the late 7th - early 6th century B.C. ie. after the Assyrian occupation the region, and before the Babylonians. Perhaps due to this short period of production, only around 100 of these objects have been found, mostly throughout the Near East and Mediterranean, but also as far west as Italy (i.e. The British Museum example 1852, 0112.3 - Fig.2). Tridacna clam shells themselves are native to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf. The present work finds a close comparison with a Tridacna maxima shell that has an umbo (apex) carved with 'eyes' and smoothed-down exterior (fig. 1). That object was found at the Great Temple of Amman, in modern day Jordan (Caubet and Poplin 1995: 492, n.21; Koutsoukou 1997: 147 - 48, n.185; Routledge 1997: 37, n.37, fig.7) and illustrated in Brandl (2001: fig.7, p.57). The style of both works is characterised by minimal carving and Brandl suggests they are part of a group called 'The Hinted Bird Engraved Tridacna'. Brandl also posits that the engraved Tridacna industry grew out of the withdrawal of the Assyrian's from the Phoenician coast, as shells from the Red Sea would have then become available through agents in Egypt. However, the period of production was only brief, as it seems the Tridacna production centre in the region was destroyed 50 years later by the Babylonians. More heavily engraved examples exist in The British Museum (fig.2) and The Metropolitan Museum, New York (fig.3). Further examples can be consulted in the seminal, 1974 study of these objects by Rolf Stucky: The Engraved Tridacna Shells...

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...

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

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...

I really do love these capiz faux flower arrangements. You usually find these hand crafted displays in a shell being used as the vase. But thi...

18th century Italian gilded altar candlestick with a Chesapecten fossil shell formation and natural forming baroque pearls. The 18th century Italian gilded fragment was originally a...

A large collection of exotic seashells arranged and displayed in a tall cylindrical glass container. A wonderful decorative interest in any room or ta...

Large Starfish encrusted with Swarovski crystals and miniature shells by Artist Douglas Cloutier The piece is signed on the back with the Cloutier label.

18th century Italian "Florence Fragment" candlestick base with fossil coral and coordinating shells on a rock coral base. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found an...

Discover the enchanting beauty of nature captured in this exquisite sculpture this stunning piece title Seascape Symphony is harmonious blend of a majestic clamshell shimmering ro...

2020 handmade shell ball sculpture.

Sculpture with Seashells with Antique french base with bronze

Polished Abalone (Haliotis Iris) shell with natural forming baroque pearls mounted on a metal rod on a polished agate base. The iridescent, multi-colored shell coordinates perfectly ...

18th century candlestick base from Tuscany mounted with a coordinating ammonite and dark, smoky quartz crystal point. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found and sav...

An early twentieth century shell spoon, comprised of two shells and supported on a metal stand. The handle is delicately carved from a singular shell, with...

A male necklace from the Asmat Village, Papua New Guinea. Four rows of large polished white cowrie shells in two sizes, seamlessly sewn onto a cotton macramé base, which has been ha...

Citrine crystals in matrix mounted on a gilded 18th century Italian base. The citrine crystal specimen is adorned with baroque pearls and it sits in a bed of crushed crystals and coo...

18th century Italian cross mounted on a polished pink hematite quartz heart and adorned with aurora (sunset) quartz and a natural-forming cross shaped baroque pearl. The 18th centu...

Pair of 18th century Italian gold-leaf fragments adorned with an oyster shell top with natural-forming baroque pearls on an optical calcite base. The pair of Italian fragments are ha...

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...

Sculpture with Seashell Assemblage and Antique Candelabrum Base

A vibrant, handwoven beaded belt—traditionally known as a cache-sex—crafted from multicolored glass beads arranged in a dynamic diamond motif of red, green, blue, orange, and white. ...

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

18th century Italian gilded hand-carved fragment crest mounted on a golden, polished hematoid slab and adorned with baroque pearls. The gilded fragment was originally from a historic...

Elegant Atlantic trumpet sea shell professionally mounted on a natural coral base, artistically hand embedded with citrine crystal quartz pieces that make a beautiful object of art f...

Sculptural 18th century Italian mecca fragment candlestick with a fossil shell and wulfenite on a polished calcite base. The fragment was originally p...

Fully enamelled and hand-painted shell Features the F.D. monogram A magnificent objet d’art produced in Italy in the purest Art Deco style. This shell is decorated with incredible s...

A single selenite log with natural-forming baroque pearls on a custom hammered metal stand. Ruler selenite or "selenite logs" are single, prismatic seleni...

Yua Shell Currency, Bride’s Price Sepik River Region, Papua New Guinea Hand carved from a clam shell Measures: 7 x 7.5 in / 18 x 19 cm Height on cus...

Sculpture with Seashell Assembly and Antique Silver Base

Beautiful Large Natural Highly Decorative Sea Shell. Great for decorating! I purchased a collection of Sea Shells from a antique store in Newport.

Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf fragment 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 and the period shows that the Italian fragment is originally 18th century. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...

Standout group of three organic turbo Marmoratus shells rare and unusual for their giant size, showing two jade banded turbo shells and one pearl band...

Elegant Atlantic trumpet sea shell professionally mounted on a black color marble base. Artistically hand embedded by the artist with crystal quartz pieces that make beautiful art ob...

Artisan ceramic Florida Sea cow Manatee family , sea shells and driftwood in a mobile sculpture.

18th century Italian Carrara marble angel in a bleached turtle shell mounted on a polished alabaster base.  The bleached turtle shell emulates a bath for the angel. The angel is cra...

Impressive branch and cauliflower coral assemblage hand crafted in specimens with mother nature's sea inspired colors and forms. Presented on a lucite base to enhance its sculptural ...

In Renaissance Style with various shaped applied stones and strap-like figures in front and back, the silver lid opens as box.

An elegant decorative composition featuring a selection of natural seashells arranged on a fluted, silver-plated metal base. The variety of shapes, textures, and tones—from pearly wh...

This beautiful large clamshell swan is designed and handmade by Gabriella Binazzi. She creates original and unique objects using strange materials such...

This striking sculptural composition by Pierre Girardon exemplifies the mid-20th-century fascination with natural history preserved through modern materials. Executed in clear cast l...

Beautiful trumpet seashell professionally mounted on genuine coral base, artistically hand embedded with fantastic turquoise stones all around, to make exceptional object of art for ...

A large collection of exotic seashells arranged and displayed in three cylindrical glass containers. A wonderful decorative interest in any room or take individual shells or a groupi...

18th century Italian "Young John the Baptist" painting framed with purple and yellow fluorite. The painting original came from Tuscany and depicts him as a young man with a lamb. Thi...

1950s Hand Carved Cameo on Conch Shell of Mens' Faces.

Sculptural 18th century Italian candlestick with a fossil clam shell and gold leaf barnacles mounted on a cut rock coral base. The hand-carved, 18th century candlestick originally came from a church in Tuscany. It is mounted on a cut and fossilized rock coral base. The mounted fossil...

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...

Sculptural 18th century Italian gilded candlestick base with a coordinating iridescent abalone shell and encrusted with natural-forming baroque pearls. Abalone or "Haliotis Iris" ar...

Polished agate slice centered with natural forming pearl. Agate coral is Florida's state stone and is known for its unique formation that can take place over 20 million years. It's ...

Sculptural 18th century Italian hand-carved and gilded base with a Chesapecten fossil shell formation and natural-forming baroque pearls. The Chesapecten shell cluster was found fro...

A male necklace from the Asmat Village, Papua New Guinea. Large cone shells in concentric rows, seamlessly sewn onto a cotton macrame base, which has been hand-knotted around a sem...

This mid-century modern shell-encrusted sculpture is a striking example of artistic creativity combined with natural beauty. The piece features a spherical form entirely covered with...

Rare black coral on a pyrite crystal base with a fossilized seashell. The combination of the glittery silver pyrite and the alluring shape of the black coral creates a sculptural ...

Ruler Selenite with 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 spare. It is then adorned with the baroque pearls which coordinate beautifully with the sleek selenite. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...

A truly spectacular example of vintage coastal artistry, this monumental shell-encrusted cockatoo sculpture is a guaranteed conversation starter. Meticulously handcrafted from thousa...

A fantastic 1970s bust of Neptune by Anthony Redmile. Decorated with shells and rock quartz.