Question
Shell Carving
I'm hoping to gain some insight regarding a shell carving that I received from the governor of the island while I was filiming Mutiny on the Bounty in 1959.
I was curious to find out if you may be able to provide any information about the history of Tahitian Shell Carvings including reknowned artists. I wanted to find a collector that would be able to shed some light on the origin of this carving. The rarity of this piece makes it difficult to find detailed information. Any input you may have would be greatly appreciated, such as but not limited to shell type, history of shell carvings, etc.
There is a carved signature or initials. In the lower left hand corner of the shell with picture there appears to be an "A" and what looks like a "C" or an "L". The piece dates back to the time when Gouguin was at his peak spending time around the islands. There could have only been one or two reknowned shell carvers at the turn of the century. The lightstand that it is currently in was not a part of the original carving but something added at a later date with the advent of electricity.
AnswerHello Alan and thank you for your inquiry. Your cameo carving looks lovely. Since this is a rarity, I suggest you have it appraised by an estate appraiser or an online cameo appraiser. The prices on these vary widely but since yours has such provenance and is signed a professional appraisal would be indicated. Italian shell carvers were known to sign their pieces. Below are a couple of urls that might interest you. Just copy and paste each one into your browser address field and hit enter:
http://www.cameojewelry.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=history
http://www.asgoodasitgets.com/Pompai_cameo_shell_lamp/index.htm
There are also several good books out on cameo carvings. Here are a couple listed below. Check your local library, bookstore or amazin.com
Nineteenth Century Cameos: A Price and Identifi... by Michele Rowan
Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition (Paperback)by Anna M. Miller
Hope this helps !
