19th Century Coco de Mer Shell – A Polished Natural Wonder

View Similar Items

Coco de Mer on Stand

Coco de Mer On Custom Stand

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

Coco de Mer Tea Caddy by Antony Redmile

Coco De Mer Nut Sculptural Box by Antony Redmile, London

Mollusk Shell Sculpture, Indonesia, 19th Century

Coco de Mer Box

Antique 19th Century Italian Carved Cameo Conch Shell

19th Century Pair of Polish/German Stoneware Figures

Coco De Mer Tea Caddy

About the Item

"Rare 19th Century Coco de Mer Shell – A Polished Natural Wonder" --- This is a particularly fine and polished symmetrical example of a rare 19th-century Coco de Mer shell. Complete and in excellent condition, this coco de mer serves as the perfect object to place in your Wunderkammer or cabinet of curiosities, captivating all who encounter it. The coco de mer, known for its impressive size and unique shape, showcases the remarkable artistry of nature, making it a striking addition to any collection. The nut and tree of the coco de mer are a rare species of palm tree native to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. For centuries, these nuts have been the subject of various legends and lore. Endemic to the Seychelles islands of Praslin and Curieuse, the coco de mer has an intriguing life cycle. Before the islands were discovered and settled, the nuts sometimes drifted to distant shores, such as the Maldives, where the tree was unknown. These floating nuts did not germinate. The exceptional size and suggestive form of the nut, which resembles a woman's buttocks on one side and a belly and thighs on the other, have inspired numerous myths about its origins and properties. Unique among palm trees, the coco de mer palm has separate male and female trees, unlike the coconut palm. Its fruit is not adapted to disperse naturally by floating on ocean water; when it falls into the sea, it sinks due to its weight and density. After some time, the husk decays, allowing the bare nut to rise to the surface, but it can no longer germinate. The term "coco de mer," meaning "coconut of the sea" in French, reflects the nut's fascinating and mysterious nature. This rare 19th-century shell not only serves as a remarkable decorative piece but also embodies the allure of the natural world and the legends surrounding it. At an additional cost, we can have this Coco de Mer mounted on a stand in your choice of color. We invite you to follow us and explore our storefront for further 20th and 19th-century pieces. .

Dimensions:
Height: 12.6 in (32 cm)Width: 13 in (33 cm)Depth: 7.09 in (18 cm)
Style:
Other (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Coconut
Place of Origin:
Seychelles
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1900s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Weight 2.7kg.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2868333775132

More From This Seller

View All

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

By Sarreguemines

Located in London, GB

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scall...

Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

$429

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

By Sarreguemines

Located in London, GB

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...

Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

$429

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

By Sarreguemines

Located in London, GB

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...

Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

$429

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

By Sarreguemines

Located in London, GB

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...

Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

$429

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

By Sarreguemines

Located in London, GB

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, by the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallop...

Category

Antique 1890s French French Provincial Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

19th Century Sarreguemines Majolica Seaweed and Shell Barbotine Oyster Plate

$429

Victorian 19th Century Iron, Brass, and Steel Firedogs / Andirons

Located in London, GB

19th Century Iron, Brass, and Steel Firedogs / Andirons These 19th-century andirons stand out for their combination of robust materials and elegant design, blending iron, brass, and...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Victorian 19th Century Iron, Brass, and Steel Firedogs / Andirons

$1,111

20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Natural Specimens

Materials

Coconut

Coco de Mer on Stand

$3,600

Coco de Mer On Custom Stand

Located in Dallas, TX

A Coco de Mer nut on custom made lucite stand. The Coco de Mer seed nut is the largest in the world and only found in th Seychelles islands. Circa early 20...

Category

Early 20th Century Seychellois Natural Specimens

Materials

Coconut

Coco de Mer On Custom Stand

$2,650

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

By Glyn Lockett

Located in Bagshot, GB

A Coco De Mer sculpture by Glyn Lockett with silvered brass stem, the pudendum with silver wire inset with lapis and seed pearls on silver mounted boar tusk feet and with makers silv...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Natural Specimens

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Pearl

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

$6,776

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

By Glyn Lockett

Located in Bagshot, GB

A Coco De Mer sculpture by Glyn Lockett with silvered brass stem, the pudendum set with a black south sea pearl on chain hung silver mounted antelope horn feet, with maker's silver m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Natural Specimens

Materials

Pearl, Brass

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

$6,776

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

By Glyn Lockett

Located in Bagshot, GB

A Coco De Mer sculpture by Glyn Lockett with a gilt metal spiral stem, the penned with seed pearls, on gilt metal mounted Chamois antelope/goat or feet with makers monogram. This is...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Natural Specimens

Materials

Pearl, Gilt Metal

Coco De Mer Sculpture by Glyn Lockett

$6,776

Coco de Mer Tea Caddy by Antony Redmile

By Anthony Redmile London

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Rare and unusual tea caddy crafted from a coco de mer shell featuring amethyst stone handles and embellishments, ostrich egg tops with refined metal work, and antelope horn side hand...

Category