a 20th century shell mosaic styled in the fashion of a sailors valentine.
the mosaic is housed in a teak octagonal frame and consists of scallop shells, sand dollars, pearlised turban shells, a central heart cockle, an angel wing shell, limpets, red turban shells, polished pearlised abalone shells, rose petal tellin shells, etc.
diameter ... 350 mm
sailors valentines, originally made in the caribbean during the 19th century, were purchased by visiting sailors to take home as love tokens. often the commissioned artist would incorporate a sentimental message, such as " forget me not ," "my love "or "be mine," popular designs would incorporate flowers and hearts, for this reason they became known over time as sailors valentines.
