Shell engraved with convicts - Lot 83

Shell engraved with convicts New Caledonia Shell Early 20th century or earlier Height: 11 cm The art of shell engraving emerged discreetly among the inmates of the penal colony as soon as it was established in New Caledonia in 1864. Practiced in the shadows for several years, this artisanal activity was finally tolerated, then regulated from 1886 onwards. From this point onwards, the prison administration provided the materials, while the prisoners, guided by their know-how, created works of great finesse. The engraved pieces quickly met with great success, attracting a varied clientele: Caledonian families, colonial civil servants, travelers and relatives of prison staff all contributed to making this a highly sought-after craft. This example features a central bouquet of flowers set in a circular escutcheon, the shell's circumference also engraved with floral and exotic decorations. The whole is magnified by the shimmering brilliance of the mother-of-pearl, whose iridescent surface displays subtle reflections in bronze, gold and sometimes copper tones, varying with the light. ---- The art of shell engraving quietly emerged among prison inmates shortly after the penal colony was established in New Caledonia in 1864. Practiced in secret for several years, this artisanal activity was eventually tolerated and officially regulated from 1886 onwards. From that point, the prison administration supplied the tools and raw materials, while the prisoners, guided by their skill, created works of remarkable refinement. These engraved pieces quickly gained popularity, attracting a diverse clientele: Caledonian families, colonial officials, travelers, and relatives of prison staff all contributed to making this craft highly sought-after. This particular example features a central bouquet of flowers framed within a circular cartouche, with the surrounding shell surface also engraved with floral and exotic motifs. The entire composition is enhanced by the shimmering sheen of the nacre, whose iridescent surface reveals subtle highlights in tones of bronze, gold, and occasional coppery hues that shift with the light.