Shell More Furniture and Collectibles

Naturalistically crafted objects in the form of mushrooms and fruits, mostly signed. Executed in ivory using the Shibayama-zaiku technique, incorporating coral, mother-of-pearl, gems...

Very well precision made mid 20th century opera glasses manufactured in Japan (marked); they are still very operable today and working very well. Although categorized as "opera glass...

Turitella fully silvered shell 5". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has been ...

Vintage inlaid semi-precious gemstone tabletop terrestrial globe on a brass stand. A labor-intensive, beautiful work with hand-cut and inlaid stones including Tiger's Eye, Jasper, M...

The name Aquarama is derived from the iconic speedboat design by Riva in 1962, first test-driven by Gianni Agnelli. The boat features lacquered timber with contrasting cream detailin...

The name Aquarama is derived from the iconic speedboat design by Riva in 1962, first test-driven by Gianni Agnelli. The boat features lacquered timber with contrasting cream detailin...

Vintage Sharptail Grouse game bird taxidermy mount on driftwood base. Dimensions: 17" x 6" x 10.5" (Width x Depth x Height)

The name Aquarama is derived from the iconic speedboat design by Riva in 1962, first test-driven by Gianni Agnelli. The boat features lacquered timber with contrasting cream detailin...

This is a large, 24 inch, gorgeous Natural Giant Clam Shell specimen from the South Pacific seas showcasing deeply scalloped edges, exceptional details and a luminous, calcified surf...

AMBIANIC presents Italian Petit Point Evening Bag with Mother of Pearl and Gold Tone Hardware Fine needlepoint hand-stitched scenic tapestry embroidery stamped made in Italy gold car...

Marlinspike fully silvered shell 7". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has bee...

This is a large, 22 inch, gorgeous Natural Giant Clam Shell specimen from the South Pacific seas showcasing deeply scalloped edges, exceptional details and a luminous, calcified surf...

An Exquisite Mid 20th Century Chinoiserie Six Panel Folding Screen. Features a black lacquer frame decorated with a traditional oriental garden scene with raised soapstone figures a...

This is a large, 18 inch, gorgeous Natural Clam Shell specimen from the South Pacific seas showcasing deeply scalloped edges, exceptional details and a luminous, calcified surface. ...

A superb pair of late 19th century Palais Royal Shibayama opera glasses in mother of pearl. Wonderfully decorated with exotic pheasants, peony and bamboo. The Shibayama technique was...

The name Aquarama is derived from the iconic speedboat design by Riva in 1962, first test-driven by Gianni Agnelli. The boat features lacquered timber with contrasting cream detailin...

Beautiful complete natural specimen, Tridacna Gigantas / Giant Clam shell / fossil featuring matching top and bottom halves. White in color. Seven folds. N...

Giant natural clam shell.

Pair of hand made shell & coral bookends with Ostrich embossed leather backing.

A lovely 1920s French Art Deco marble-top gilt bronze mounted mahogany inlaid nightstand. Born in France in the early 20th century, crafted in elegant Louis XVI taste with luxurious...

Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury French Opera Glasses with fancy lorgnette style handle and metal mounts. Premium mother of pearl and only th...

Eight-Panel Reversible Chinese Coromandel Screen Pair of French chinoiserie screens, Paris, 1920s This French chinoiserie screens from the ...

Ultra Rare 1930s Art Deco Eggshell Black Enamel Silver Inlay Cigarette Case: Exquisite High Deco Design This Ultra Rare 1930s Art Deco Eggshell Black Enamel and Silver Inlay C...

Rare large antique 19th century mother of pearl inlaid Arabian Middle Eastern blanket wedding dowry chest. Very fine intricate, detailed, stunning craftsmanship quality of Middle Eas...

A striking pen or matchstick holder crafted from a natural sea urchin shell, its distinctive patterned exoskeleton preserved in warm tones of rust, cream, and ivory, and fitted with ...

Ancient Bulgarian Belt Buckle in silvered metal encrusted with mother-of-pearl reliefs, realized in 19th Century. Excellent condition.

Captivating Pietra Dura globe featuring marble, mother-of-pearl and other semi-precious stones suspended in a solid brass mount. The brass tripod turns 360 degrees and tilts. The sph...

Authentic giant clam shell specimen with its iconic sculptural form and sea inspired colors and textures.

Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...

This antique Chinese birdcage, crafted from red reed rattan, features porcelain feeder bowls. Adorned with jade and mother-of-pearl accents, it showcases exquisite craftsmanship. A p...

Vintage natures beauty marine specimen sea shell on urchin stand.

Fabulous round natural conch shell for tabletop decor. Great addition to your boho chic inspired interiors and table tops.

Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...

Fabulous vintage mother-of-pearl and brass opera glasses made by Chevalier in Paris, circa 1960s. Complete functional glasses that are in good condition and measure 4" x 2.5". Si...

Striking 1920s Art Deco Black Enamel and Red Lacquer Cigarette Case This striking 1920s Art Deco cigarette case epitomizes the sleek sophistication of the Jazz Age. Its bold geometr...

Rare Asian, four panel, free standing room divider screen featuring carved jade motifs and mother of pearl inlay. In good vintage con...

AUTHOR: Dance Card Notebook. TITLE: 19th C. Palais-Royal Work Mother of Pearl & Gilded Bronze Dance Card Notebook. PUBLISHER: France, c.1800's. DESCRIPTION: 1 vol., 3-3/4" x 2-1/...

A stunning set of opera or theatre glasses in original leather case. By Colmont FT Paris France, Circa 1890s Gorgeous Mother-of-pearl and abalone inset on brass cylindrical body w...

The name Aquarama is derived from the iconic speedboat design by Riva in 1962, first test-driven by Gianni Agnelli. The boat features lacquered timber with contrasting cream detailin...

The name Aquarama is derived from the iconic speedboat design by Riva in 1962, first test-driven by Gianni Agnelli. The boat features lacquered timber with contrasting cream detailin...

Superb pair of marine taxidermy assemblage - sea shells and urchins on brass embossed candlesticks.

50 years of trading antiques have given us tremendous experience to help you choose the ideal piece for your interior, and in our showrooms you will find all of the classic styles of...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

A Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet, circa 1680 We are pleased to present a rare and important Renaissance Judaica c...

Bring the sophisticated serenity of the seaside into your home with this exquisite vintage shell-encrusted sculpture. Reminiscent of Victorian "grotto" art yet thoroughly modern in i...

This French inlaid carved walnut bed attributed to the esteemed R.J. Horner is a masterclass in antique furniture design, offering a stunning fusion of luxury and fine craftsmanship....

Italian Art Nouveau narrow hall / hatrack stand having a walnut & ebonized wood frame with pewter & pearl inlay and a shaped inSet full-length mirror,with elaborate columns and cente...

This is a large, 15.5 inch, gorgeous Natural Clam Shell specimen from the South Pacific seas showcasing deeply scalloped edges, exceptional details and a luminous, calcified surface....

Strombus pugilis fully silvered shell. Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has b...

Scotch Bonnet fully silvered 4". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered she...

Marine coastal taxidermy assemblage of sea shells and corals, sea sponges and brunches of sea whip with large horseshoe taxidermy.In a lucite basket decorated with sea shells.

A fine pair of steel knives with single edged curved blade mother of pearl and brass inlaid handles, and a hard stone butt we believe to be nephrite. Age related wear and abrasions...

Darkly playful and meticulously crafted, Alexandra Llewellyn’s Skull Marquetry Poker Set is a bold meditation on risk, luck and the high stakes of ...

Wildly luxurious, Alexandra Llewellyn’s Jungle Marquetry Poker Set brings the rainforest to the card table. Inlaid with over 1,000 pieces of sustai...

Impressive natures beauty large preselected natural sea shells and urchins collection. Natural history specimens arranged on a ceramic Brunswick gold glazed pineapple bowl stand. Gr...

Embrace the allure of natural history with this authentic vintage turtle shell specimen. A quintessential piece for the "Cabinet of Curiosities" aesthetic, this carapace showcases th...

Chinoiserie pagoda. Very decorative Italian painted plaster and wood three-tiered pagoda alla Mongiardino emanating from marine inspired grotto base with four masks issuing water in...

Impressive Chinese export four panel lacquered coromandel screen featuring hand-carved soapstone beauties in a floral landscape with gilt clo...

Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...

Lister's conch fully silvered shell 5". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has ...