A rare, exceptionally crafted piece of mid-century organic modern design. This substantial tabletop box is hand-carved from a solid block of richly grained hardwood, displaying a deep, warm tone and beautiful swirling grain patterns.
The hinged lid is constructed from a magnificent, large iridescent Mother of Pearl oyster shell that naturally shifts colors under the light. The shell is framed by a stylized, dark metal geometric border engraved with a classical Greek Key (meander) pattern. When lifted, the lid reveals a smoothly recessed circular basin inside the heavy wood frame.
Originally created as an upscale mid-century smoking accessory, it has been beautifully preserved to serve as an architectural vanity box for jewelry, a unique entryway valet for keys, or a prominent conversational art object for a modernist interior.
Design Style: Mid-Century Modern / Organic Modernist / Hollywood Regency
Dimensions: 20 cm L x 20 cm W x 5 cm H
Materials: Solid Hardwood (Teak/Rosewood), Natural Mother of Pearl Shell, Engraved Metal
Motif: Classical Greek Key / Geometric Meander
Condition: Good, authentic vintage condition. As a natural piece that has aged over the decades, the wood shows light daily handling scuffs and faint character marks, while the natural shell lid displays organic texture variances inherent to the medium. The hinge is fully functional, tight, and sound. The interior basin is clean and free of deep stains or structural cracks.
A rare, exceptionally crafted piece of mid-century organic modern design. This substantial tabletop box is hand-carved from a solid block of richly grained hardwood, displaying a deep, warm tone and beautiful swirling grain patterns.
The hinged lid is constructed from a magnificent, large iridescent Mother of Pearl oyster shell that naturally shifts colors under the light. The shell is framed by a stylized, dark metal geometric border engraved with a classical Greek Key (meander) pattern. When lifted, the lid reveals a smoothly recessed circular basin inside the heavy wood frame.
Originally created as an upscale mid-century smoking accessory, it has been beautifully preserved to serve as an architectural vanity box for jewelry, a unique entryway valet for keys, or a prominent conversational art object for a modernist interior.
Design Style: Mid-Century Modern / Organic Modernist / Hollywood Regency
Dimensions: 20 cm L x 20 cm W x 5 cm H
Materials: Solid Hardwood (Teak/Rosewood), Natural Mother of Pearl Shell, Engraved Metal
Motif: Classical Greek Key / Geometric Meander
Condition: Good, authentic vintage condition. As a natural piece that has aged over the decades, the wood shows light daily handling scuffs and faint character marks, while the natural shell lid displays organic texture variances inherent to the medium. The hinge is fully functional, tight, and sound. The interior basin is clean and free of deep stains or structural cracks.
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