Shell Sculptures

Elegant marine decorative arrangement composed of a carefully selected selection of shells, conches, and coral fragments, arranged in an antique blown glass goblet with a crackled me...

Solar chandelier, a customizable solar-powered lighting installation for the off-the-grid living room, comprises photovoltaic modules that power LED bulbs to illuminate translucent seashells to provide ambient lighting. The piece aims to demystify PV technology by exposing its components in a legible manner, so that the electrical boards, wires and batteries of the PV modules are clearly visible and comprehensible. Additionally, with a passing breeze, the chandelier becomes a wind chime. It also functions as a type of solar clock as it illuminates automatically at dusk, highlighting hourly solar and seasonal rhythms. The chandelier must be placed in front of a window to gather solar power. The Solar Chandelier lowers electric bills, eliminates wires and outlets, offers multi-directional ambient light, and casts patterns on surrounding surfaces like wallpaper. It can be customized to each setting.     The solar pieces by nea studio...

A beautiful natural specimen. Turbo marmoratus is a large species of marine gastropod with a calcareous operculum in the family turbinidae. The color pattern is green, marble with w...

Circa 1960. We offer this Mid-Century Mexican Silver Plated Cup in the style of Los Castilllo in great vintage condition and fantastic patina.

Sculptural 18th century Italian ribbon fragment with natural-forming baroque pearls on a selenite slab. The Italian ribbon fragment original came from a...

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 ...

Sybil Edwards was a prolific Canadian artist who excelled in the field of decorative art over the course of her life. She honed her practice as a profess...

Contemporary Indonesian stack of polished shells on stand. Decorative hand painted dark brown and cream circular pattern design. Interspersed series of flattened shell rings in shade...

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...

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...

Sculptural 18th century Italian base decorated with mica in matrix, and silver leaf shells on an antique metal base decorated with church vestment braid. The 18th century fragment ba...

18th century Italian gold leaf altar stick with a Chesapecten plated fossil scallop shell and natural forming Baroque pearls. The Chesapecten plate...

17th century distressed Italian decorated church candlestick with fossil agate coral and natural forming baroque pearls on a lucite base. The 17th century Italian distressed candles...

Ruler Selenite with an 18th century Italian gold leaf molding and a natural forming baroque pearl 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 gold leaf wood molding and the baroque pearl which coordinate beautifully with the sleek selenite. 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 sunray is originally 18th century. Interi transforms Italian artifacts...

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...

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...

17th century Italian vase with a chesapecten shell & gold-plated crystal points. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found and saved from the historic flooding of t...

Rare Binazzi, Italy small trinket bowl. Natural shell combined with silver plated sculpture,  1970s, made in Italy. This piece is in excellen...

18th century Italian gold leaf candlestick top with polished fossil agate coral and natural forming Baroque pearls. The 18th century fragment comes from Tuscany and has the original candlestick wax...

Capture the essence of nature with this sculpture made of clams, wood, and glass—an elegant blend of organic materials and artistic design.

Contemporary sculpture representing a funny crocodile made of finely chiseled gilded bronze and ostrich egg. Hard stone eyes. High quality work, excellent condition.

Sculptural 18th century Italian mecca vase mounted with mica and tourmaline and adorned natural-forming baroque pearls. The mica and baroque pearls perfe...

18th century Italian hand-carved gold leaf angel wing on a crystal quartz cluster with Baroque pearls. The hand-carved gold leaf angel wing is originally from a historic church in Liguria. This piece is particularly rare and exquisite due to its unique shape and size. It is gold leaf and has a bole underlay. The ecclesiastical artifact is mounted on a bed of quartz crystals. The Baroque pearls, tangerine quartz...

18th-century Italian mecca arrow with a baroque pearl on a polished calcite base. The arrow was once used as part of a decorative motif in artistic depictions (most likely of Saint ...

17th century Italian fragment mounted with mica cluster with garnets on a petrified wood base. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It wa...

The organic necklaces are treated as works of art or sculpture displayed on their black metal stands. The top parts are intricately braided twine attached to which are sliced sea she...

19th century Indonesian mollusk shell on stand. Beautiful natural aged patina from being under water for over 100 years. Stand measures 3.5" x 3.5".

1880s carved out of shell, cameo. Brass casing.

The top of an original antique rice pounder taken from my private collection. We added hand cut mother of pearl shell into the center of this beautiful rare teak wood. Great as an ar...

19th century Italian pediment fragment decorated with pectin shells and red phantom crystal points on a lucite base. The piece is put together by ...

18th century Italian candlestick decorated with free-forming glass and baroque pearls on an Italian glass bobeche base. The 18th century candlestick is from Tuscany. It is hand carved and hand painted with brownish-red metallic paint. It is placed on an Italian bobeche base. Hand-molded freeform glass...

18th century Italian tassel on a polished calcite cube with coordinating natural-forming baroque pearls. This tassel originally came from a church in Italy. Many tassels were used to decorate churches on religious feast days. Others were commonly used to decorate 18-19th century French and Italian...

A pair of 18th century Italian gold leaf church altar vases decorated with fossil shells, siliquaria, and natural forming baroque pearls. The vases originally came from a church in A...

18th century Italian (Region of Liguria) wood candlestick decorated with a calcite crystal in matrix, a specimen from the Elmwood Mine, and gold leaf shells. This mine produces some ...

Victorian Shell Obelisk with Tin Type Photographs This unique Victorian shell obelisk features intricate shell decorations and houses four original tin type photographs. While the p...

A captivating work of natural artistry, this vintage shell-encased bird sculpture is a true testament to craftsmanship. Suspended gracefully within a sleek black metal hoop, this uni...

Art Deco sculpture, representing 2 terracotta fish on a macassar base, circa 1930, signed.

Wonderful Snail made from Sterling Silver that shows the hand of the craftsman who created it. To complete the illusion the snail has the addition of a real sea shell. Very nice scul...

Fish with mother-of-pearl shell and eye of the tigerstone. This fish is a contemporary sculpture made of chiseled silver plate applicated to the natural mother pearl shell, is total...

Vintage mother of pearl animal is an original decorative object realized by Anonymous Italian artist in 1970s. Good conditions except for mi...

Contemporary sculpture representing a rabbit made of finely chiseled gilded bronze and ostrich egg. Hard stone eyes. High quality work, must have!

A pair of ostrich eggs mounted on antique wood basis with metal studs. Origin European, Circa 1900. 

The shell, a marvel of the sea, is embraced by the soft embrace of fine leather, showcasing its natural curves and textures. Each meticulously applied leather detail celebrates the s...

Black shell necklace accessory on metal stand. One of a kind sourced from Belgium. 2 available.

Contemporary Indonesian set of three oyster shells on stands. Beautiful natural patina. One measures 7" diameter x 13" tall One measures 7" diameter x 15" tall One measures 7" diam...

Contemporary Indonesian purse made of a multitude of different shells. All connected by natural twine. Very decorative placed in a bowl.

1980s Sculpture of a deer lying down with mother of pearl antlers.  

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...

South Asian necklace, including stand. In my vintage, organic, contemporary, and mid-century modern style. This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde....

South Asian necklace. Piece from our one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. Exclusive to Brendan Bass. Globally curated by Brendan Bass, Le Monde furniture and accessories offer mo...

19th century Indonesian set of two mollusk shells on stands. Beautiful natural aged patina from being under water for over 100 years. One measures 6" diameter and 13" tall One mea...

A very fine and rare Charles X period Palais Royal ormolu and engraved mother of pearl Statuette Sculpture of a horse. With an engine-milled ormolu mounted mother-of-pearl base Prove...

Hanging from strands of transparent wire, solar chandelier is made from photovoltaic modules that power LED bulbs to illuminate translucent materials of different kinds. The materials, size and height of the chandelier are customizable. Our team fabricates the entire piece in our studio at New Lab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where we have access to the necessary tools. Solar chandelier is a way of investigating solar cells as perceptual devices for mediating light into designed spaces. This eco-friendly lighting design incorporates environmental technology while providing ambient lighting and projecting shadow patterns. The piece aims to demystify PV technology by exposing its components in a legible manner. With a passing breeze, the chandelier functions as a wind chime. It also functions as a type of solar clock; the translucent seashells illuminate automatically at dusk, highlighting biological solar rhythms and power. In its mix of organic and technological materials, solar chandelier's translucent seashells illuminate in a manner that aims to be affective in its application of solar technology. The seashells are electrically illuminated after dark. In the daytime, they are lit from the light passing through the window in front of which the chandelier must be placed in order to gather solar power...

Incredible sculpture in wood, glass, lizard and eggshell by AIRIN CANEDO circa 1990

“El Asombro” (The Amusement) (2008) - Contemporary bronze sculpture by Manuel Mendive, who is an eminent Afro-Cuban painter, sculptor, and performance artist. It is numbered and sign...

Ostrich egg is 5.5" w. No cracks or repairs.

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...