{"product_id":"late-19th-early-20th-century-abalone-shell-mosaic-jewelry-box","title":"Late 19th \/ Early 20th Century Abalone Shell Mosaic Jewelry Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eA beautiful antique abalone shell mosaic jewelry or keepsake box, entirely clad in individually cut sections of highly iridescent shell displaying flashes of emerald green, turquoise, rose, violet, and gold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe rectangular box is constructed with a gently sloping lid and fitted with a small metal push-button closure. The exterior is assembled from numerous pieces of abalone \/ mother-of-pearl shell, deliberately arranged to highlight the dramatic natural color and banding of the material. Some sections retain the rougher, richly textured outer surface of the shell, creating an appealing contrast with the polished nacre.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSet prominently into the front edge of the lid is an elongated shell plaque bearing a finely engraved cursive inscription or signature. The lettering appears to read approximately “S. [Raulin \/ Paulin?]” with a second word below, although I would not transcribe it definitively from the present photographs. It may represent a maker, retailer, owner, or presentation inscription rather than merely decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe hinged lid opens to reveal a fitted interior lined in vivid crimson-red velvet, while the underside is finished in textured black material and raised on four small metal feet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLate 19th to Early 20th Century\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1890–1920\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDecorative boxes clad in abalone and mother-of-pearl became fashionable during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when highly iridescent shell was used for jewelry boxes, card cases, writing accessories, souvenir objects, and small luxury goods.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRather than using large uninterrupted sheets of shell, makers often assembled small mosaic-like sections over a wooden or composition core. This allowed naturally irregular pieces of shell to be utilized while creating a highly decorative, almost jewel-like surface.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbalone was particularly prized because of its intense spectrum of greens, blues, purples, and pinks. Boxes of this type could function as jewelry caskets, trinket boxes, or presentation boxes, and many were fitted with velvet interiors to protect their contents.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInscription\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn inset shell plaque along the front of the lid bears an engraved cursive inscription.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first line appears to begin with an ornate “S.” followed by a surname or place name, while the second line is less certain. Because several letters overlap the shell's natural banding, I would describe it in the listing as:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Engraved with a period cursive inscription\/signature to a mother-of-pearl plaque.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI would avoid committing to a specific name until another photograph taken straight-on under raking light makes the engraving clearer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEuropean or American, exact origin unknown.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe form and shell-mosaic construction are consistent with decorative boxes produced internationally around the turn of the 20th century. Without a legible maker's inscription or internal label, a more specific geographic attribution cannot presently be confirmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eAbalone shell \/ mother-of-pearl mosaic\u003cbr\u003eWood or composition carcass\u003cbr\u003eMetal hinge and push-button closure\u003cbr\u003eCrimson velvet interior\u003cbr\u003eTextured black underside\u003cbr\u003eMetal feet\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApproximately [insert width] W × [insert depth] D × [insert height] H\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood antique condition with wear consistent with age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe shell retains excellent iridescence and color variation. There are expected surface scratches, small edge chips, hairline fractures, minor losses, lifting, and irregularities between individual shell sections. These are especially visible along the edges and lid and are consistent with the delicate mosaic construction.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMetal hardware displays age-related oxidation and patination. Interior velvet shows light wear and soiling but remains attractive and richly colored.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe box retains its hinged lid, front closure, lined interior, and four feet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review photographs closely for the most complete representation of condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDating and attribution are based on construction, materials, and decorative style and should be considered approximate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe exterior is composed of natural shell; variations in color, texture, cracks, inclusions, and irregular edges are inherent to the material as well as its age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe engraved inscription has not been definitively deciphered and is therefore described conservatively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50546769756415,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/9B55B241-D7DB-4BA1-885A-E62F4E6590DB.png?v=1790541847","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/es\/products\/late-19th-early-20th-century-abalone-shell-mosaic-jewelry-box","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}