Pair of decorated chambered nautilus shells

decorated shells

Pair of large chambered nautilus shells (Nautilus pompilius,) which have been ground down & relief carved in floral pattern to expose the underlying mother-of-pearl. One shell has had its bottom half sliced off to create a stable base, & part of its top edge removed & hollowed. Second shell sits atop the first, affixed in the hollowed out depression. Both shells have been chipped & repaired, some fragments missing from top shell. Brought back from Philippines or China by Capt. Simon Merrill Sewall, clipper FLYAWAY, 1854-1858. Compare to 1942.51-52, 1984.22.