Mother-of-Pearl Shell Caviar Dish
Mother-of-Pearl Shell Caviar Dish
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Item: Mother-of-Pearl Shell Caviar Dish
Additional Description
Delightful miniature table accessory featuring a polished mother-of-pearl shell mounted within an ornate filigree metal stand. The iridescent shell displays beautiful natural nacre with soft rainbow coloration, while the delicate openwork metal mount is elevated on scrolling feet and accented by decorative fan- or butterfly-shaped handles at either end.
Pieces of this type were commonly used as individual salt cellars, open salts, condiment vessels, or small table ornaments. The combination of luminous mother-of-pearl and intricate filigree work reflects the taste for elegant natural materials found in late Victorian and early 20th-century table settings.
Era
Likely late 19th to early 20th century.
History
Mother-of-pearl tablewares enjoyed widespread popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Shells were often mounted in silver, silverplate, filigree metal, or gilt metal frames and used for serving salts, caviar, condiments, or small sweets. Their shimmering surfaces made them particularly desirable for formal dining and decorative display.
Examples were produced throughout Europe, including Austria, Germany, Italy, and England, as well as in parts of Asia for export markets. The delicate filigree mount seen here suggests a decorative rather than utilitarian focus, emphasizing craftsmanship and elegance.
Provenance
Private collection.
Materials
Natural mother-of-pearl shell
Filigree metal mount (silverplate, white metal, or silver alloy; untested)
Hand-assembled construction
Dimensions
TBD
Disclaimers
Wear consistent with age and use. Tarnish, oxidation, and surface wear present to metal mount. Minor irregularities to shell are natural and inherent to the material. No precious metal content has been confirmed; metal should be sold as untested unless hallmarks are discovered.
Item: Mother-of-Pearl Shell Caviar Dish
Additional Description
Delightful miniature table accessory featuring a polished mother-of-pearl shell mounted within an ornate filigree metal stand. The iridescent shell displays beautiful natural nacre with soft rainbow coloration, while the delicate openwork metal mount is elevated on scrolling feet and accented by decorative fan- or butterfly-shaped handles at either end.
Pieces of this type were commonly used as individual salt cellars, open salts, condiment vessels, or small table ornaments. The combination of luminous mother-of-pearl and intricate filigree work reflects the taste for elegant natural materials found in late Victorian and early 20th-century table settings.
Era
Likely late 19th to early 20th century.
History
Mother-of-pearl tablewares enjoyed widespread popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Shells were often mounted in silver, silverplate, filigree metal, or gilt metal frames and used for serving salts, caviar, condiments, or small sweets. Their shimmering surfaces made them particularly desirable for formal dining and decorative display.
Examples were produced throughout Europe, including Austria, Germany, Italy, and England, as well as in parts of Asia for export markets. The delicate filigree mount seen here suggests a decorative rather than utilitarian focus, emphasizing craftsmanship and elegance.
Provenance
Private collection.
Materials
Natural mother-of-pearl shell
Filigree metal mount (silverplate, white metal, or silver alloy; untested)
Hand-assembled construction
Dimensions
TBD
Disclaimers
Wear consistent with age and use. Tarnish, oxidation, and surface wear present to metal mount. Minor irregularities to shell are natural and inherent to the material. No precious metal content has been confirmed; metal should be sold as untested unless hallmarks are discovered.