Bidspirit auction | Large 19th Century Folk Art

Large 19th Century Folk Art Shellwork Floral Bouquet Under Glass Dome - This is a nineteenth-century folk art floral bouquet made entirely out of seashells. The centerpiece consists of a dense, multi-tiered arrangement of shell flowers constructed from hundreds of individual mollusk shells, including bivalves such as scallops and cockles, and gastropods such as small spiral snails and cowries. The petals are formed from overlapping shells, with centers featuring tiny iridescent shells and small clusters of blue and yellow dried floral accents. The bouquet rises from a green textured urn-shaped pedestal decorated with shell florets. This pedestal rests upon a base mound featuring larger specimen shells including fragments of abalone, mussels, and various clam shells. The internal structure utilizes fine wire to support the delicate shell elements. The arrangement is housed under a tall, clear glass cloche which sits on a circular ebonized wooden base elevated by four small turned ball feet. No maker marks or signatures are visible. Height: 20 inches. The item is in excellent antique condition. The internal shell arrangement is stable and well-preserved. There is minor shedding of tiny shell fragments and drying of the colored floral accents at the base, which is typical for shellwork of this age. The glass dome is intact with no cracks or significant scratches. The ebonized wooden base shows light surface wear and minor scuffing but remains structurally sound.