Victorian Shell Picture 2

Victorian Shell Picture 2 - Square-riggers, windjammers & tea-clippers sailed the oceans in the Age of Sail. Sailors spent weeks in local ports, resting from a long voyage, searching for interesting gifts to take home. Hand woven textiles from Calcutta, porcelain from Foochow, gaucho trinkets from Rio. In the Caribbean port of Barbados, where sugar, rum and lumber were loaded, sailors commissioned highly popular framed shell compositions from local artists. Typically framed in octagonal mahogany frames, many of the 19th century originals have survived and are now recognized as true expressions of folk art. No book about Nautical Antiques, no Marine Auction at Christies or Sothebys is complete without reference to original shell frames. Antique Sailors Valentines are selling for prices between eight and eighteen thousand dollars. The original artists often incorporated a sentimental message of love for the sailors sweetheart at home. Flower patterns, hearts and windroses were popular designs used in the compositions. For this reason they became known over time as Sailor Valentines.Measures: 15"D x 2.56". View all of our Authentic Models Products. View Large Victorian Shell Picture 2 Product Image.