a victorian keepsake love token shell valentine roundel
size ... 150mm diameter.
a round shaped convex glass covered diorama, consisting of a print of a yacht and incorporating an arrangement of shells and sea flora. surrounded by pelicans foot shells.
in the late nineteenth century no beau would dare to visit his sweetheart without taking some token of his true feelings. the gift 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.
