Antique Silver & MOP Sea Shell Dish, 19th Century

I acquired this unique 19th Century piece nearly twenty years ago in one of Amsterdam’s antique shops specializing in old Chinese silver craftsmanship. I believe it to be a caviar dish, elevated by its design and artisanal quality into a decorative item.

The wooden base is adorned with a domed inset of relief silver in a pattern of a bamboo forest floor. From it, rise three silver bamboo stalks and a few sprigs of silver grass. The branches of bamboo leaves are removable and can be arranged to the owner’s preference. The mother-of-pearl sea shell in its original, unadulterated shape is attached to the stalks with silver screws in the shape of tropical insects.

An enchanting antique decoration in good condition.

Overall height: 8.5”
Base diameter: 5 ¾”
The sea shell: width 7", depth 6 ¾”