Sea shell novelties, or shellwork antiques,

 

 

 

have quite a few of us “lined and sinkered” with their beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shell boxes, pincushions, and other 19th century trinkets

 

 

 

 

have always been at the top of many lists

 

 

 

when seeking out decorative objects for our home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We live near the ocean, so these are a natural “match” for us

 

 

 

 

 

at FrenchGardenHouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sailors and sea voyagers would bring these charming hand made shell encrusted beauties

 

 

 

 

home for their loved ones at the end of a long journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heart shaped items, or boxes with heart motifs were meant

 

 

for wives and sweethearts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of the early shellwork boxes were made in ports of call

 

 

 

in home businesses, eager to profit from the many sailors that frequented their shores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the shellwork art pieces became so popular,

 

 

 

 

English and French companies started producing

 

 

 

miniature dressers, vanities and boxes as Victorian amusements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you love the ocean, and folk art,

 

 

 

 

collecting antique sea shell boxes is a natural fit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hark, now hear the sailors cry,
Smell the sea, and feel the sky,
Let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic.

Van Morrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you an ocean lover at heart?

 

 

 

Don’t miss our latest collection of

 

 

French and English 19th century shell antiques.

 

 

SHOP SHELL ANTIQUES >

DO YOU CELEBRATE THE OCEAN IN YOUR HOME DECOR?

à bientôt

If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.