Tess Morley Shell Casket

Based on a medieval design, this hinged box is edged with rows of miniature sea snails and crowned with a black South African Limpet shell. Moss Agate and Crocodile Jasper cabochon stones are set on a pearly, reflective ground of cleaved, split sheets of Mica. The interior and base are lined with marbled paper. Signed and dated by artist.

The intricate, shell-embellished designs of Tess Morley are exquisite examples of nature’s boundless beauty. Morley began creating shellwork sailor’s valentines as a child growing up on the coast of England. Today, an internationally-renowned artist, she continues to create shellwork masterpieces such as the obelisks, decorative panels and small objets d’art commissioned by R. Runberg. Morley also has dedicated much of her career to preserving historic shellwork of grottos and follies on properties managed by the National Trust of Great Britain.

H 6.75in, W 9.33in, D 7.25in