Mid-Century Mexican Abalone Shell Mosaic Jewelry Box
Mid-Century Mexican Abalone Shell Mosaic Jewelry Box
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Additional Description: A striking mid-century decorative jewelry or trinket box inlaid with iridescent abalone shell mosaic panels set within a metal frame.
The lid and sides are composed of hand-cut abalone shell pieces arranged in a geometric patchwork pattern. The shell displays vibrant natural coloration including tones of gold, green, pink, and violet that shift dramatically under light.
The shell panels are mounted within a rectangular metal frame and the box rests on four small rounded feet. The hinged lid opens to reveal a velvet-lined interior, suitable for storing jewelry, small keepsakes, or vanity accessories.
The underside retains a stamped mark reading “Hecho en Mexico”, indicating manufacture for the mid-20th century export market.
Boxes of this type were widely produced by Mexican workshops and sold as decorative vanity objects or souvenir pieces.
Era: Mid-20th Century
Circa 1940–1965
History: During the mid-20th century, Mexican artisans produced a wide variety of decorative objects combining metalwork with natural materials such as abalone shell. These pieces were popular in export markets and were commonly sold in tourist centers and specialty shops throughout Mexico.
The dramatic iridescence of abalone shell made it especially desirable for decorative boxes, trays, and jewelry caskets intended for dressing tables and personal collections.
Provenance: Mexico
Materials: Abalone shell
Metal frame (brass or alpaca alloy)
Velvet interior lining
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Natural variation in shell color and texture
Minor surface wear consistent with age and use
Interior lining shows light wear
Additional Description: A striking mid-century decorative jewelry or trinket box inlaid with iridescent abalone shell mosaic panels set within a metal frame.
The lid and sides are composed of hand-cut abalone shell pieces arranged in a geometric patchwork pattern. The shell displays vibrant natural coloration including tones of gold, green, pink, and violet that shift dramatically under light.
The shell panels are mounted within a rectangular metal frame and the box rests on four small rounded feet. The hinged lid opens to reveal a velvet-lined interior, suitable for storing jewelry, small keepsakes, or vanity accessories.
The underside retains a stamped mark reading “Hecho en Mexico”, indicating manufacture for the mid-20th century export market.
Boxes of this type were widely produced by Mexican workshops and sold as decorative vanity objects or souvenir pieces.
Era: Mid-20th Century
Circa 1940–1965
History: During the mid-20th century, Mexican artisans produced a wide variety of decorative objects combining metalwork with natural materials such as abalone shell. These pieces were popular in export markets and were commonly sold in tourist centers and specialty shops throughout Mexico.
The dramatic iridescence of abalone shell made it especially desirable for decorative boxes, trays, and jewelry caskets intended for dressing tables and personal collections.
Provenance: Mexico
Materials: Abalone shell
Metal frame (brass or alpaca alloy)
Velvet interior lining
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Natural variation in shell color and texture
Minor surface wear consistent with age and use
Interior lining shows light wear