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ID #SA1236208
FOR SALE
£595
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Abalone Shell Tazza
For sale by David Robinson Antiques
for sale €696     $756
£595

David Robinson Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2023
Browse dealers 68 items
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Id #SA1236208
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Abalone Shell Tazza

19th century
Description

A beautiful large Abalone shell mounted on a silver plated column of writhing sea serpents. Probably Italian from the middle of the 19th century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
15.5cm (6.10")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Declaration

David Robinson Antiques has dated this Abalone Shell Tazza to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1236208
Description
A beautiful large Abalone shell mounted on a silver plated column of writhing sea serpents. Probably Italian from the middle of the 19th century.
Height
15.5cm (6.10")
Width
18cm (7.09")
Date of Manufacture

David Robinson Antiques has dated this Abalone Shell Tazza to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1236208
David Robinson Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the David Robinson Antiques Profile Page

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An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base.
1 / 10
Archive I An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base.

Abalone Shell Tazza

Archive II An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View II
Archive III An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View III
Archive IV An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View IV
Archive V An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View V
Archive VI An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View VI
Archive VII An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View VII
Archive VIII An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View VIII
Archive IX An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View IX
Archive X An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base. View X
Enlarged Archival View

David Robinson Antiques
Telephone 07860 307887
Location
Stand 26
The Admiral Vernon Arcade
Portobello Road
London
United Kingdom

Or by appointment.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/davidrobinsonantiques
Verified Since Aug 2023
Items For Sale 68
Items Sold 54
David Robinson Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Stand 26, The Admiral Vernon Arcade, Portobello Road, London, United Kingdom, , Or by appointment.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/davidrobinsonantiques
Verified
Aug 2023
For Sale
68
Sold
54
An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base.
Abalone Shell Tazza
Ref: SA1236208
An antique abalone shell dish mounted on a relief-carved silvered metal pedestal with a lobed base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
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Detail View 4
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Bowls & Dishes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialAbalone Shell, Silver Plate
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsAbalone shell bowl, Foliate stem, Lobed base, Relief metalwork
  • SizeH 15.5 cm (6 in) x W 18 cm (7 in)

This Victorian decorative bowl is a tazza taking the form of an abalone shell mounted on a pedestal. Dating from 1860, the piece comprises an abalone shell bowl supported by a silver-plated column with relief metalwork depicting writhing sea serpents and foliate stem details, set upon a lobed base. The bowl displays iridescent tones of amber, gold and green, while the silver-plated elements exhibit a polished metallic finish with minor signs of age and tarnishing. Measuring 15.5 cm high and 18 cm wide, the tazza sits well on a gentleman's library desk or a sideboard top to hold small accessories or keys.

FAQs

A shell tazza is a decorative shallow dish elevated on a pedestal foot, featuring a natural or carved shell bowl mounted on metalwork. Popularised in the Victorian era and earlier cabinet-of-curiosities traditions, these pieces combined natural history specimens with fine metalworking techniques.

Traditional antique tazzas were constructed using natural materials such as abalone shell, nautilus shell, marble, or porcelain for the bowl, mounted onto cast silver, silver plate, gilt bronze, or brass pedestals.

Authentic pieces generally feature natural variations and patination on the shell, accompanied by period-accurate hallmarks or maker marks on the metal base. Examination of the mounting structure often reveals hand-chased metalwork, historical soldering techniques, and age-related wear.

A shell tazza serves as a decorative accent on a console table, mantelpiece, or bookshelf within modern or traditional spaces. It functions well as a singular decorative object or grouped alongside other natural history curiosities and books.

Clean the shell gently using a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the iridescent nacre layer. The metal pedestal can be maintained with non-abrasive polishes suited specifically to silver or silver plate, taking care not to let polish touch the shell surface.
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