Antique Victorian Barbados Sailor's Valentine Ocean Shell Diorama Mosaic 1880s

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This marvelous Victorian Sailor's Valentine is created in a gorgeous array of multiple types of sea shells and in various … Read more This marvelous Victorian Sailor's Valentine is created in a gorgeous array of multiple types of sea shells and in various patterns and was likely made between 1830-1880. This extraordinarily large valentine is secured with a gold, painted frame, embossed with a floral motif on the inner rim and acanthus leaf design on the outer rim. There is antique wavy glass to preserve the shells. The background of the Valentine behind the shells appears to be black coral. This fabulous valentine has an oval wooden backing and the framed case is lined in burgundy. The sailor's valentine art begun in the late 18th and early 19th centuries using seashells that were intricately arranged into geometric mosaics which came to be known as sailors' valentines. They were made by gluing hundreds of shells onto cotton batting, then the work was framed with wood and glass. Maritime lore was that since sailors may spend many months or years at sea, they would craft these works of art. However, Wikipedia reports that the sailor's valentines were usually picked up in foreign ports, with Barbados being best known for this art form. Barbados was often frequented by whalers and merchant ships and seamen would bring them as gifts, when returning home. Measurements for this fabulous creation are: Length from top to bottom=20 inches, Width from side to side=17 inches, Depth from front to back=4 inches. This marvelous Victorian sailor's valentine has been well cared for, gently displayed and is in excellent antique condition with all shells intact. The antique wavy glass has a partial thickness 5/8 inch crack at the very top, but it does not diminish the beauty of this beautiful valentine. It is only visible under very close inspection. This gorgeous sailor's valentine is the perfect addition to your maritime or Victorian collection and goes well with many different decors! See less