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Fine Quality Leather Upholstered Desk Chair After a Design by Giles Grende
By Giles Grendey
Located in Benington, Herts
similar walnut chair in his article ‘The Chair with a Shell Back’, which appeared in ‘The Antique
Category

Mid-19th Century Irish Georgian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Leather, Oak

Regence Beechwood Fauteuil
Located in Essex, MA
shaped arched back with central carved shell over a caned back and seat , shell carved chair rail
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Régence Antique Shell Chair

1910s Belgian Oak Carved Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
shells, the chairs will infuse a sense of historical grandeur to any interior space.
Category

1910s Belgian French Provincial Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Oak

Pair of Grand Louis XV Walnut Fauteuils from Lyon
Located in Hixson, TN
highly raised and detailed carvings. Stylized carvings to the crest of the chairs with stylized shell to
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Walnut

Louis XV Style Fauteuil with Painted Caned Back and Yellow Seat
Located in Locust Valley, NY
curved. Shell motif to the chair apron. Chair frame is painted an antique white with blue highlights and
Category

Early 20th Century Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Cane

A 19th Century Italian Carved Wood Fantasy Armchair
Located in Astoria, NY
A 19th Century Italian Louis XV style wooden Fantasy armchair with carved shells and cherubs. The
Category

19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood, Textile

Mid-19th Century Louis XV Carved Walnut Upholstered Armchair from Provence
Located in Dallas, TX
scalloped apron decorated all around with carved shell and leaf motifs. The chair with curved armrests and
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Carved Walnut Armchairs with Leather Upholstery
Located in Dallas, TX
wide and deep seat over a scalloped and pierced apron decorated with hand carved shell motif; each
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Provencal Carved Walnut Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
apron embellished with shell and foliage decor. The chairs, with curved, padded armrests, are
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

19th Century French Leather and Carved Mahogany Antique Armchair
Located in Shippensburg, PA
of the arm with the chair back; lobed shells highlight each knee over the subtle cabriole leg, each
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Rococo Revival Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Wood

Antique Set of 4 Louis Revival French Giltwood Armchairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
1880 in date. The giltwood is beautiful in colour, each chair features a shell carved crested toprail
Category

1880s French Louis XVI Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Pair of Venetian Baroque-Style Shell Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of carved and silvered wood Venetian Baroque-style shell chairs, the seat and back in the
Category

Early 1900s Italian Baroque Antique Shell Chair

Hampton Sons Pall Mall Shell Chair in Antique Pink Velvet, England 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Hampton & Sons Pall Mall London Shell Chair in Antique Pink Velvet, England 1880 Original
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Brass

Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron Chairs, "Orange Slice-Clam Shell"
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini wrought iron chairs, "Orange Slice-Clam Shell" chairs Offered
Category

Early 17th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Regency Period Shell Back Hall Chairs
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A super pair of Gillow design shell back hall chairs with a fabulous depth and detail to the
Category

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Regency Period Mahogany Shell Back Hall Chairs
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A Regency pair of carved mahogany shell back hall chairs of superb color and patiation.          
Category

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs Shell Shaped Back
Located in Skanninge, SE
Sunny pair of Art Deco club chairs, with armrests and legs in stained birch. Shell shaped backs and
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Birch

A Pair of Antique Biedermeier Side Chairs with Shell Inlay
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking pair of antique Biedermeier chairs made of mahogany circa 1820s', likely from Vienna
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood, Wool

18th Century English Queen Anne Walnut Wing Chair with Shell Carving
Located in Atlanta, GA
Queen Anne walnut wing chair with shell carving.
Category

18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century Georgian Shell Back Hall Chair with Lion Carving
Located in Stamford, CT
A Georgian shell back hall chair with lion carving and great patina. English, circa 1810.  
Category

Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Shell Carved Ball and Claw Dining Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Chippendale mahogany carved ball and claw shell carved dining side chair. Item
Category

Early 20th Century European Chippendale Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th c. Venetian Polychrome and Gilded Shell Top Grotto Chair
By Pauly et Cie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Naturalistically carved, the back decorated with a shell, lifting to reveal a tufted cushion back
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Gold Leaf

19th Century Mahogany Chippendale Style Ball and Claw Shell Carved Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century solid mahogany Chippendale style shell carved side chair. Item features solid
Category

18th Century Chippendale Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Syrian Moorish Style Inlaid Folding Chairs
Located in Tarry Town, NY
chairs. These classic and elegant chairs are a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the era
Category

Late 19th Century Moorish Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Bone, Shell, Walnut

8 Antique Mahogany Georgian Chippendale Shell Carved Ball and Claw Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
8 antique carved mahogany Georgian Chippendale style shell carved dining side chairs. Item features
Category

Late 19th Century Irish Georgian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Biedermeier Neoclassical Style Shell Fan Back Dining Chairs Set of Six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of six antique mahogany Biedermeier or neoclassical style shell fan back dining chairs. Item
Category

Early 20th Century Biedermeier Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

Six Vintage Swedish Rococo French Style Shell Hoof Foot Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of six Vintage shell and hoof foot carved side chairs in the Swedish Rococo or French Style
Category

Early 20th Century American Rococo Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Walnut

Venetian Grotto Hollywood Regency Scalloped Shell Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Venetian Grotto Hollywood Regency Style Scalloped Shell Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rare Late 18th C. Italian Gilt Fantasy Shell Form Swivel Stool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stunning and exquisite hand-carved and gilt shell form Antique Italian fantasy swivel chair in
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood

Rare Set of Four Boulle Side Chairs, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
chairs, each with gilded ormolu mounts, the inlay depicting foliate scrolls and exotic birds. Upholstered
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Tortoise Shell

Antique Mahogany Georgian Chippendale Style Shell Carved Ball and Claw Armchair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique carved mahogany Georgian Chippendale style shell carved ball and claw dining armchair. Item
Category

Late 19th Century Irish Georgian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Louis XV Carved Oak Chauffeuse Chair with Silk Upholstery
Located in Dallas, TX
carvings. The carvings throughout the frame of the chair include acanthus leaf and shell decor. The chair
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Silk, Oak

Boulle Inlaid Armchair with Gilt Bronze Mounts
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in London, GB
This magnificent armchair, or throne chair, is a majestic work of seated furniture, decorated to
Category

19th Century French Baroque Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Ormolu, Brass, Bronze, Pewter

Elegant Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin in the Style of Axel Einar Hjorth 1920
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Tilburg, NL
shell of the chair is truly wonderful and we choose to get it reupholstered in a high-end sheepskin by
Category

Early 20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Nine Antique French Renaissance Dragon Embossed Leather and Walnut Chairs
Located in Big Flats, NY
Set of nine antique French renaissance dining chairs, each with shell carved finials, dragon
Category

19th Century French Renaissance Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Set of 8 French Regence Style Oak Dining Chairs, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of 8 Regence style oak dining chairs featuring caning, shell carving, cabriole legs and X
Category

Late 19th Century French Régence Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Cane, Oak

19th Century French Hand Carved Aged Giltwood Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This stunning set of six hand carved gilt painted Regency style dining chairs features beautifully
Category

1890s French Regency Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Upholstery, Giltwood

Biedermeier Eclectic Set, Unique, 10 Dining Chairs Each in Different Design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
re-upholsterer. The shell carved chair misses a corner and will be restored. Listed Measure is the
Category

19th Century Italian Biedermeier Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood

Antique 19thC Swedish Rococo Lime Washed Queen Anne Dining Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Essex, MA
, and slip seats. Beautifully hand-carved shell detail and well-proportioned chairs with restrained
Category

19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique French Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Armchairs
Located in London, GB
also feature classicising mounts, such as scallop shells and foliate sprays. One chair is missing
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XV Walnut Chaise d Oreille, circa 1750
Located in valatie, NY
and scrolls while the scalloped apron has a centered shell and foliate carving. The chair stands on
Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Antique American Cast Iron Sea Horse and Scallop Shell Design Garden Chairs
By Marcy Foundry
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique American black painted cast iron garden chairs with curved arms, wood plank seats
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Boulle Set Desk Cabinet and Chairs Andre Charles Boulle
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Original Pieces 19th century French Boulle set desk cabinet and chairs Andre Charles Boulle Louis
Category

1860s French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Brass

Pair of Italian Walnut Arm Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of carved Italian walnut open arm chairs, with a shell cartouche , in red fabric
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Painted French Louis XV Style Vanity with Vanity Chair
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Exquisite French vanity and chair in the Louis XV style. Freshly painted in our signature oyster
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood

19th Century Pair of Georgian Walnut Armchairs
Located in Hixson, TN
of the chair veneered with selective burl walnut and large shell carving to the center chair rail and
Category

1860s English Georgian Antique Shell Chair

Antique Venetian Grotto Armchairs
By Pauly et Cie
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique Venetian grotto chairs with well detailed carved dolphin arms / shell backs / conch
Category

1890s Italian Baroque Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood

Baroque Armchairs, Mid-18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
shells and rocailles. The chairs stand on elegant capriole legs that seamlessly merge into the curved
Category

Mid-18th Century Baroque Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century French Louis XV Carved Mahogany Prayer Bench with Velvet Upholstery
Located in Dallas, TX
scalloped apron decorated with a carved shell and foliage. The chair with a wide and cushioned seat features
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Antique Pair of Louis Revival French Giltwood Armchairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
1880 in date. The giltwood is beautiful in color, each chair features a shell carved crested toprail
Category

1880s French Louis XVI Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Walnut Queen Anne Balloon Seat Side Chair
Located in West Chester, PA
Outstanding side chair with shells at the crest and knees, solid splat and cabriole legs
Category

18th Century and Earlier Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Chippendale Side Chair
Located in West Chester, PA
Mahogany three shell Chippendale side chair nicely carved crest rail with Gothic splat terminating
Category

18th Century American Chippendale Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Silver Leaf Italian "Regence" Side Chairs
Located in Larkspur, CA
Set of Six Early 19th Century Hand Carved Silver Leaf Italian "Regence" Side Chairs with Shell on
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Silver Leaf

Midcentury Miller Eames Era Fiberglass Shell Chair by Krueger, Eight Available
Located in Madison, WI
Mid century fiberglass shell chair by Krueger Metal Products, Wisconsin. Sturdy and comfortable
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Midcentury Eames Fiberglass Stacking Shell Chairs, DSS-N Side Chairs
By Charles Eames
Located in Huddersfield, GB
Eames Modernica fiberglass stacking shell side chairs on chromed steel stacking bases. Excellent
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Eames Fiberglass Stacking Shell Chairs, DSS-N Side Chairs
By Charles Eames
Located in Huddersfield, GB
Charles Eames fiberglass stacking shell side chairs on chromed steel stacking bases. Excellent
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Chrome, Steel

19th Century Venetian Grotto Shell Chair, Silver Gilt, Pauly et Cie, Italian
By Pauly et Cie
Located in Totnes, GB
An exceedingly rare opportunity to own an original and exceptional Venetian grotto chair in
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Shell Chair

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

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Antique Shell Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique shell chair for your home. Frequently made of wood, mahogany and metal, every antique shell chair was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique shell chair, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right antique shell chair, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Georgian and Regency styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made antique shell chair over the years, but those crafted by Gillows of Lancaster London, Charles Eames and Charles and Ray Eames are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Shell Chair?

Prices for an antique shell chair can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $95 and can go as high as $45,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,554.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Antique Shell Chair
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Shell chairs are iconic mid-century modern chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and first released in 1963. In terms of both process and aesthetics, the Shell chair was ahead of its time when it was introduced. The expressive seat and back are made out of form-pressed oak or walnut laminates and topped with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort. Its design includes a tapered three-leg structure with two front legs made of one continuous piece and a separate hind leg that supports the backrest. This gives the chair a feeling of lightness without sacrificing stability. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Shell chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Whether the Shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, creator Hans J. Wegner designed the curves of the backrest and the seat to complement the contours of the human body in order to provide ample support when the Shell chair made its debut in 1963. Chairs became Wegner’s specialty, and over the years he designed over 500 of them. More than 100 of his designs, such as the Wishbone chair and the Papa Bear chair, went into production. Shop a selection of Shell chairs and other vintage Hans Wegner seating on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Whether or not the Wegner shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal preference. Wegner did design the dramatically curved seat and gently tapered back to properly support the contours of the human body. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Hans Wegner chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An antique Bergère chair is a Victorian-era French armchair, often with upholstered armrests and a removable seat cushion. The curved back of this chair would be crafted with wicker. Shop a collection of Bergère chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Bergere chairs are a type of upholstered French armchair that have an enclosed design. They’re designed for lounging comfortably and usually feature deep, wide seats. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique Bergere chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell if your rocking chair is an antique, search the back, rockers and the underside of the seat for a label, stamp or other marking. If you locate one, conduct online research using trusted resources to learn about the maker. By finding out when the manufacturer produced chairs similar to yours, you may be able to determine if your chair is at least 100 years old, making it an antique. If you cannot find a maker's mark, consider contacting a certified appraiser or antique dealer and asking them to date your piece for you. Explore a range of antique rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell how old an antique chair is, you have a few options. One is to conduct research on your own using trusted online resources and print references from your local library. If your chair has a maker's mark, learning more about the company, artisan or workshop that produced it can be a good starting point. Dating unmarked chairs can be more difficult because certain styles remained in production for long periods. In this case, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your chair for you. Shop a wide range of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
    To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To find out what your antique chair is worth, you can conduct research using trusted online resources. Specifically, study the sales history for pieces similar to yours in terms of maker, age, style and type. Because the condition of your chair will also impact its value, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer inspect and evaluate your piece. Find a collection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Depending on the quality, age, and model, Koken vintage barber chairs can sell for $500 to $6000. Older chairs will often have a higher value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There is no universal guideline for determining the value of antique high chairs. Typically, high chairs can cost anywhere between $50 and $500. The price of a high chair is determined by the condition of the chair, its construction, whether or not all parts are intact and its desirability.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020

    The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.