a victorian early keepsake love token shell valentine picture box
size ... 180mm x 120mm
a rectangle shaped flat glass covered diorama, consisting of a print of sailing boat with people foraging for shellfish on the sea shore, and incorporating an arrangement of shells and sea flora. surrounded by pearlescent , muscle, clam and other delicate shells.
in the late nineteenth century no beau would dare to visit his sweetheart without taking some token of his true feelings. the shell picture box encrusted with shells, would have the added romantic cache' of the hint of travel to exotic places.
shell work was very much in vogue when queen victoria came to the throne in 1837. her reign coincided with a period of tremendous social expansion as the industrial revolution gave more and more people free time, money and education to enjoy pastimes. coastal resorts and spas became popular holiday destinations. sea shells became very fashionable as souvenirs, in particular when they were incorporated into items such as this e'toile d' amour, to be taken home as a reminder of the good times spent on holiday or as a keepsake or love token to be given to a potential suitor.
this is an antique manufactured in the uk over 100 years ago.
