A captivating piece of Victorian desk artistry—this antique mother of pearl seal features exquisite hand-carved figural decoration depicting a classical figure in flowing robes, set within an ornate Art Nouveau-style frame.
Key Features:
- Hand-carved mother of pearl with exceptional detail
- Classical figural carving showing a robed figure
- Art Nouveau-inspired decorative frame with flowing organic motifs
- Lustrous natural iridescence of mother of pearl
- Functional desk seal for wax sealing
This seal represents the Victorian and Edwardian love of combining beauty with function. Rather than a simple utilitarian object, this piece transforms the everyday act of sealing correspondence into an aesthetic experience. The carver has skilfully worked the mother of pearl to create a three-dimensional figure with remarkable depth and detail.
Mother of pearl, with its natural luminescence and subtle play of colours, was highly prized in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The material's iridescent quality means the piece appears to shimmer and change as light moves across its surface—warm creams, soft pinks, and hints of gold dancing across the carved figure.
The classical figure depicted appears to be in contemplative pose, draped in flowing robes that the carver has rendered with delicate attention to the folds and movement of fabric. The surrounding decorative frame, with its organic flowing lines, suggests Art Nouveau influence, placing this piece likely in the late Victorian to Edwardian period.
Imagine this seal on a Victorian writing desk—used to seal important letters with hot wax, the carved mother of pearl catching candlelight or lamplight, transforming a practical task into a moment of beauty. Each sealed letter would carry not just a message, but the mark of refinement and taste.
Condition: Please examine all photographs carefully. This is an authentic antique with character and patina consistent with its age and use. The natural variations in the mother of pearl add to its unique beauty.
A museum-quality piece perfect for collectors of desk accessories, mother of pearl carvings, Victorian and Edwardian decorative arts, or writing ephemera. A stunning display piece that celebrates the artistry of a bygone era when even the smallest objects were crafted with care and beauty.
7cm Length
