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ID #SA1209969
FOR SALE
£775
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A Rare Antique French Sailors Seashell Figure
Branching Out Antiques
for sale €907     $984
£775
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques

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    Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy
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A Rare Antique French Sailors Seashell Figure

19th century
Description

A rare antique seashell work doll under its original dome, similar to works by sailors in the caribbean and Barbados, but most probably done by the salt workers of the southern coast of Brittany.

Many shellwork pieces like this one, including detailed pictures and boxes, were produced in the Caribbean and other tropical, French-influenced ports where a wide variety of colorful shells were readily available. By the 1840s, such items were also produced on the Isle of Wight and in various French and European port towns.

Our characterful doll is covered from head to toe in tiny seashells, including on her face. She is also wearing a rather exotic head dress, whilst her body seems to be made of papier-mâché...

She stands 28cm tall within her dome, the latter being 36cm high. She is in lovely antique condition without losses.

Physical Dimensions
Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Declaration

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Antique French Shellwork Figurine to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1209969
Description
A rare antique seashell work doll under its original dome, similar to works by sailors in the caribbean and Barbados, but most probably done by the salt workers of the southern coast of Brittany.

Many shellwork pieces like this one, including detailed pictures and boxes, were produced in the Caribbean and other tropical, French-influenced ports where a wide variety of colorful shells were readily available.

“
By the 1840s, such items were also produced on the Isle of Wight and in various French and European port towns.
Branching Out Antiques
fig 1. A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base.
fig 1. A Rare Antique French Sailors Seashell Figure

Our characterful doll is covered from head to toe in tiny seashells, including on her face. She is also wearing a rather exotic head dress, whilst her body seems to be made of papier-mâché...

She stands 28cm tall within her dome, the latter being 36cm high. She is in lovely antique condition without losses.

Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Date of Manufacture

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Antique French Shellwork Figurine to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1209969
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2022

Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Branching Out Antiques Profile Page

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A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base.
1 / 16
Archive I A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base.

A RARE ANTIQUE FRENCH SAILORS SEASHELL FIGURE

Archive II A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View II
Archive III A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View III
Archive IV A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View IV
Archive V A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View V
Archive VI A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View VI
Archive VII A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View VII
Archive VIII A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View VIII
Archive IX A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View IX
Archive X A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View X
Archive XI A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View XI
Archive XII A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View XII
Archive XIII A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View XIII
Archive XIV A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View XIV
Archive XV A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View XV
Archive XVI A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base. View XVI
Enlarged Archival View
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques
Telephone 07742 117815
Location
Kent
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified Since Apr 2022
Items For Sale 62
Items Sold 376
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified
Apr 2022
For Sale
62
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376
A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base.
A RARE ANTIQUE FRENCH SAILORS SEASHELL FIGURE
Ref: SA1209969
A standing figure of a woman sculpted from tiny arranged seashells on a circular dark wood base.
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FAQs

Shellwork folk art involves creating decorative objects and sculptures using gathered sea shells. Popularised during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, particularly across maritime communities, these items were frequently crafted by sailors on long voyages or by coastal artisans as souvenirs.

These figures were typically built around a wooden, wire, or plaster armature. Artisans secured small, sorted sea shells to the surface using gesso, glue, or resin, often incorporating painted plaster for detailed areas such as face and hands.

Authentic period pieces often feature animal-based glues, paper or plaster cores, and naturally aged shells exhibiting original patina and slight fading. The bases usually display period woodworking techniques, such as turned timber plinths with hand-carved details.

Display the sculpture under a glass cloche on a sideboard or bookshelf to highlight its texture while protecting it from dust. Pairing shellwork with natural materials such as weathered timber or linen creates a balanced coastal or bohemian aesthetic.

Dust gently using a soft, dry artist brush or air blower to avoid dislodging small elements. Keep the item away from direct sunlight and high humidity, which can weaken original animal glues and cause shell degradation.
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