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ID #SA1227945
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£195
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A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.
Gilt and Gesso
for sale €228     $248
£195

Gilt and Gesso

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023
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A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.

19th century
For Sale by Gilt and Gesso
Description

A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.

An impressive scale late 19th century, French glazed earthenware jar measuring 33.5cm tall with prolific hand decoration shell design, a popular folk art activity of the period and this being a superb example.

The hand applied shell decoration was fixed using a lime mortar mixture which has shrunk and chalked over time, applied over a hand thrown earthenware-glazed pot.

A superbly stylish example of excellent quality and scale.

Dimensions

Height 33.5cm

Diameter 24.5cm

Presented in mostly excellent, original condition with only a small area of loss around the top edge, see photos. Otherwise structurally excellent.

A highly decorative antique jar which is probably best suited as an ideal vase of generous weight apx 8-10kg.

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Dispatched U.K. and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.

Physical Dimensions
Height
33.5cm (13.19")
Width
24.5cm (9.65")
Depth
24.5cm (9.65")
Declaration

Gilt and Gesso has dated this Antique Shell Encrusted Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1227945
Description
A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.

An impressive scale late 19th century, French glazed earthenware jar measuring 33.

5cm tall with prolific hand decoration shell design, a popular folk art activity of the period and this being a superb example.
Gilt and Gesso
fig 1. A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix.
fig 1. A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.

The hand applied shell decoration was fixed using a lime mortar mixture which has shrunk and chalked over time, applied over a hand thrown earthenware-glazed pot.

A superbly stylish example of excellent quality and scale.

fig 2. A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix.
fig 2. A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.

Dimensions

Height 33.5cm

Diameter 24.5cm

Presented in mostly excellent, original condition with only a small area of loss around the top edge, see photos. Otherwise structurally excellent.

A highly decorative antique jar which is probably best suited as an ideal vase of generous weight apx 8-10kg.

Please request more photos and any questions invited.

Dispatched U.K. and worldwide within 2-3 working days with tracking.

Height
33.5cm (13.19")
Width
24.5cm (9.65")
Depth
24.5cm (9.65")
Date of Manufacture

Gilt and Gesso has dated this Antique Shell Encrusted Vase to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1227945
Gilt and Gesso
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gilt and Gesso Profile Page

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A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix.
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Archive I A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix.

A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.

Archive II A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View II
Archive III A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View III
Archive IV A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View IV
Archive V A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View V
Archive VI A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View VI
Archive VII A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View VII
Archive VIII A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View VIII
Archive IX A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View IX
Archive X A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View X
Archive XI A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View XI
Archive XII A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View XII
Archive XIII A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View XIII
Archive XIV A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View XIV
Archive XV A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07904 423385
Location
East Sussex
BN21 1DJ
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2023
Items For Sale 66
Items Sold 304
Gilt and Gesso
Verified Since May 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: East Sussex, BN21 1DJ , United Kingdom
Verified
May 2023
For Sale
66
Sold
304
A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix.
A French Antique Folk Art Shell Decorated Jar or Vase 34cm, C1890-1910.
Ref: SA1227945
A cylindrical antique vase completely encrusted with an assortment of natural sea shells set into a mortar matrix.
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Archival Detail
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Shellwork folk art emerged as a popular maritime craft in the 19th century, particularly in coastal regions of France and Great Britain, where artisans and sailors created decorative objects using naturally gathered shells embedded into mortar or wood.

These decorative vessels were typically constructed using a foundational ceramic or glass jar, which was coated in a thick mortar or plaster matrix into which individual sea shells were set by hand.

Authentic period shellwork exhibits age-appropriate patination on the underlying plaster matrix, natural variation in shell wear, and often conceals an era-appropriate stoneware or glass vessel beneath the shell layer.

A shellwork vessel functions as a textured focal point when placed on a sideboard, mantelpiece, or open shelving, adding organic structure to coastal, eclectic, or traditional room settings.

Dust the item gently using a soft artist brush or dry microfibre cloth, keeping it clear of water or solvent-based cleaners that could degrade the historical mortar matrix.
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