Three-piece Set In Terracotta And Shells – Maritime Folk Art – 20th Century

A fine decorative set comprising two large handled vases and a lidded bonbonnière, crafted from terracotta and entirely covered in a remarkable decorative arrangement of small seashells. The two vases feature a slender profile with an ovoid body, two side handles, and a long cylindrical neck, standing approximately 37 cm tall. The surface is meticulously covered with small natural shells—primarily striated conical shells interspersed with rounder, pearlescent ones. The shells are arranged with great artistic care, featuring radiating patterns, fans, rosettes, friezes, and stylized floral motifs, punctuated by larger shell elements. The bonbonnière employs the same technique, making for an intriguing complement to the set. Its lid—richly decorated with shells radiating from a central motif—boasts a particularly spectacular design. This is a work of meticulous craftsmanship belonging to the genre of maritime folk art or "shellcraft"—a decorative style that epitomizes the 20th-century taste for shell-adorned objects. Period: Mid-20th century, likely circa 1950–1970.
Materials: Terracotta, natural seashells, adhesive/binding material.
Dimensions: Vases, height approx. 37 cm.
Set: 2 vases and 1 lidded bonbonnière. Condition: Good overall condition, considering the inherent fragility of the materials. Some small shells show chips, losses, or signs of wear. Original patina preserved. No major restoration visible in the photographs.
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