Shell art, or the art of combining real sea shells with other elements to form a pleasing knick-knack was a very popular, do-it-yourself project pastime during the Victorian era. I recently found this lovely Nouveau example with a gorgeous bisque sculpted female head, long flowing hair, and a flower, all arranged on top of a large scallop. Also of note is the hand painted, personal "Merry Christmas" holiday inscription, with what appears to be someone's name (Lilliya? --or maybe it says "village"), possibly the word "Illinois" under that, and finally, an early 1900 date with (unfortunately) the last number smudged into oblivion. I'm really hoping it's a 1904 World's Fair souvenir piece! If you Google "Victorian shell art" you'll see lots of other examples, most notably jewelry, Valentines, trinket box mosaics, etc... this one is quite unique, and much better arranged than the previous shell art piece I found last year at an estate sale (see last image below.)
2 comments:
Very cute, I always like that wistful look, though I have to say, I really like the other one you found. The new one is much more artistic but the estate sale one has that kind of kitschy beach art kind of look.
Perhaps the shell was meant to be a hoop skirt that was the fashion back then. Maybe the concept was this sea maid was part of King Neptune's court, or just a form of whimsy from the Gilded Age.
Seeing both of these decorated shells makes me wonder if there were shell arts and crafts available for the turn of the century youngsters while vacationing along the seashore.
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