Shell-Encrusted Bust in Farrow & Ball With Antique Chinese Carved Relic

Details

Description

Shell-Encrusted Bust in Farrow & Ball Paint “Duster” #319 with Antique Chinese Carved Relic and Hidden Candle Holders.

By May … Read more Shell-Encrusted Bust in Farrow & Ball Paint “Duster” #319 with Antique Chinese Carved Relic and Hidden Candle Holders.

By May River Neptune.

Possible to have one more of thee made with other half of relic and mostly similar shells and same color.

A singular sculptural bust, finished in the nuanced Farrow & Ball shade Duster, and transformed into an evocative work of assemblage art. The surface is richly adorned with a curated crown of natural shells in soft coastal tones, punctuated by an exceptional antique Chinese carved bone relic.

The carved element—intricately detailed with miniature architectural forms and figural motifs—introduces a rare, historic dimension, lending the piece the presence of a collected cabinet-of-curiosities object. Both surreal and elegant, the composition suggests a dreamlike fusion of oceanic materiality and antique craftsmanship.

Designed to be displayed as a standalone statement sculpture or used as an elevated candleholder. Three grey taper candles are included and rest in discreet hidden metal holders.

Nancy Campbell Ashley—known to friends and collectors as Fancy—is the artist behind May River Neptune, creating one-of-a-kind shell-encrusted sculptural works inspired by the Southern coastline. Raised in Charleston, South Carolina, her lifelong connection to the sea began with childhood summers spent gathering shells along Sullivan’s Island and Edisto Beaches.

With a background in art history and high-end interior design, Fancy brings a curator’s eye and a storyteller’s sensibility to each piece. Working from her cottage studio on the May River in Bluffton, SC, she creates assemblage objects that blend coastal memory, antiquarian detail, and timeless craftsmanship—celebrating the beauty of imperfection through natural materials.

Additional works by the artist can be found at Tapley’s Mercantile in Savannah, GA, as well as at J. Banks Design on Hilton Head Island, SC. She is also available for commissioned projects and creates a wide range of shell-encrusted pieces.

Please explore our listings to discover more of May River Neptune’s shell-encrusted sculptures, furniture, lighting, mirrors, wall brackets, and other distinctive works.

Dimensions:
• Bust height (without candles): approx. 9”
• Total height with 5.25” candles: approx. 11.25”

A striking, gallery-worthy objet d’art—where coastal texture meets antiquarian intrigue. See less