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Antique 1860s Butter Box, Shell Motif, Earthenware Bonbonnière
€249Bid from €199
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Private sellerProduct description
Unique and rare earthenware bowl with lid featuring a beautiful, detailed shell motif and a cute little sea monster/dragon on top. The bowl is made of unglazed, off-white stoneware, and there are even small black speckles in the stone of the lid.
A similar item is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/207583). They describe it as a stoneware butter cooler, likely of German origin and made around 1860.
This bowl looks very similar, but is not exactly the same. And I do not have the matching small dish underneath. My bowl is also not marked or signed. But I am quite certain that it dates from the same period. The very detailed, overlapping shell motif was typical of decorative art in Europe in the mid-19th century, which drew inspiration from natural, organic forms. And it is still in perfect condition, without any damage. That in itself is a miracle after such a long time. I hope it ends up with someone who will turn it into a showpiece in their home!
Height: 11 centimeters
Diameter: 15 centimeters
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsWhiteMaterialCeramicNumber of items1Height11 cmWidth15 cmDepth15 cm
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About this seller
Private sellerElst, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since May 2026 • 2 sales