{"product_id":"mother-of-pearl-shell-caviar-dish","title":"Mother-of-Pearl Shell Caviar Dish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem: Mother-of-Pearl Shell Caviar Dish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdditional Description\u003cbr\u003eDelightful 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePieces 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003eLikely late 19th to early 20th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003eMother-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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExamples 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003ePrivate collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNatural mother-of-pearl shell\u003cbr\u003eFiligree metal mount (silverplate, white metal, or silver alloy; untested)\u003cbr\u003eHand-assembled construction\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003eTBD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003eWear 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48727672455423,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/088779FB-BB49-4CCB-B906-3D12F3212080.png?v=1782056343","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/mother-of-pearl-shell-caviar-dish","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}