shell

ZOOLOGICAL SPECIMENS
China, Whampoa; China, Canton
Circa 1856
Overall: 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 5 in.

Large shell (one of pair with 1984.17.29.1), green turban (Turbo marmoratus), ground down to expose most of underlying mother-of-pearl which was extensively used by Chinese artists and craftsmen; brought from China by Capt. Merrill S. Sewall (Simon Merrill Sewall), clipper ship FLYAWAY, 1854-1858.

1984.17.29.2