French Art Deco shell mounted on bronze, Antique 1920s, Sculptural trinket bowl

  

French Art Deco shell mounted on bronze, vintage 1920s, possibly older. The shell is a Pinctada Margaritifera specimen; this species is known as "Tahitian pearl oyster" or "Black-lip pearl oyster" and it is common in the Indo-Pacific. The exterior of the shell has been polished. There is no signature or inscription. The shell is in good condition with maybe a couple of old micro-chips on the black edge but without cracks or restoration.

The bronze part has lost its gold layer at some places where the metal has darkened; it would maybe need to be re-gilded. Width: 15 cm / 5.90. Depth: 14.5 cm / 5.70. Height: 5 cm / 1.95. Weight: 470 g / 1.030 lb.