Bidspirit auction | Chilean Shell Art Unicorn Figure

Chilean Shell Art Unicorn Figure on Driftwood and Marble Base - A Chilean shell art or coquillage sculpture depicting a rearing unicorn. The body of the figure is constructed from hundreds of small, overlapping cream colored bivalve shells. Elongated, thin shells are used to create the textured mane, tail, and beard, while a single spiral spindle shell forms the horn. Dark colored shells or polished stones define the hooves and eyes. The unicorn is mounted upon a segment of natural driftwood featuring a hand incised mark reading CHILE on one side. This assembly is set on a rectangular polished marble base with small bun feet. Height: 9.5 inches.