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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Polished Turbo Marmoratus Shell - Brilliant
Spectacular natural display piece with vibrant multicolored reflections — This magnificent specimen of Turbo marmoratus presents itself with a finish that highlights its splendid underlying mother-of-pearl, usually concealed by the shell’s outer layer. Measuring an imposing 169 mm and weighing 461 grams, the shell exhibits a compact and balanced form, where the large last whorl dominates the overall volume, while the spire rises with a harmonious succession of concentric curves. The polished surface catches the light, revealing a wide and dynamic range of reflections spanning pink to green, blue to silvery, distributed along the natural spiral that remains clearly legible. The shell’s opening, wide and robust, preserves an interior coloration that is more uniform, with delicate ivory, cream, and very pale pink tones predominating, adding depth and contrast to the external iridescence. Mother-of-pearl, a precious and fascinating material, has traveled for centuries along ancient trade routes connecting coastal regions of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean. Its marine origin, combined with the complexity of its workmanship and its intrinsic changing appearance, gave it a value that transcended mere decorative function. This raw material not only carried luminosity into objects but also the memory of seas often distant from their place of creation, evoking a sense of exoticism and wonder. Over the centuries, skilled artisans in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe have used mother-of-pearl to embellish a wide range of objects, from boxes and furniture to musical instruments and ceremonial items. Thin sheets of mother-of-pearl were expertly inlaid into wood, lacquer, or metal, giving life to floral, geometric, and figurative motifs that changed appearance with the changing light. Between the Renaissance and the Baroque era, large exotic shells like this found a place in Europe’s famous Wunderkammer, alongside corals, minerals, fossils, and other objects from distant lands, celebrating nature’s ability to produce forms of extraordinary perfection and beauty. From the 18th to the 19th century, mother-of-pearl emerged as a protagonist in an extraordinary variety of daily-use and luxury objects, such as fans, snuff boxes, gaming counters, cases, cutlery, and keyboard keys for musical instruments, as well as jewelry details. Working this material demanded exceptional craftsmanship and precision, especially to cut it into thin sections without breaking it. Turbo marmoratus was particularly prized for its substantial size and the thickness of the shell, which allowed for broader mother-of-pearl surfaces than those obtainable from other species. This specimen, in particular, has not been fragmented but has preserved its complete form, becoming a three-dimensional and spectacular testament to its biological structure and its long cultural history. It is not merely the biology of a large tropical gastropod, but also the timeless charm of mother-of-pearl, which has traversed ancient sea routes, Wunderkammer, and artisan workshops, preserving intact its extraordinary ability to transform light and captivate the viewer. This specimen represents a collectible piece of notable interest, ideal for enriching a natural history collection, an exhibition space, or as a striking decorative element with strong visual impact. Conditions: Good. Being a natural product, small imperfections or color variations are part of its intrinsic formation and should not be regarded as defects.
Estimate:£233.13
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£233.13
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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