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Antique 1860s Butter Box, Shell Motif, Earthenware Bonbonnière
€249
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About this seller
Private sellerElst, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since May 2026 • 13 sales
Product 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 the stone of the lid even contains small black speckles.
A similar item is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 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 unmarked or unsigned. However, I am quite certain that it dates from the same period. The highly 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 make it a showpiece in their home! Height: 11 centimeters
Diameter: 15 centimeters
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsWhiteMaterialCeramicNumber of items1Height11 cmWidth15 cmDepth15 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerElst, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since May 2026 • 13 sales