Abalone Turtle Figurine Appraisal

Artisanal Abalone and Mother of Pearl Inlaid Turtle Figurines

This set consists of two turtle figurines of varying sizes, meticulously handcrafted with intricate shell inlay. The larger turtle features a prominent carapace constructed using a mosaic of iridescent abalone shell pieces, displaying a vibrant spectrum of greens, blues, and pinks. These are bordered by creamy white mother of pearl strips that simulate the natural scutes of a turtle's shell. The head, neck, and flippers are similarly adorned with shell fragments, with small dark beads or stones integrated to represent the eyes. The smaller turtle follows a similar design language but utilizes a more monochromatic contrast of dark nacre and bright white mother of pearl in a high-contrast geometric pattern. The construction likely involves a resin or wood substrate upon which the thin shell veneers are applied and then polished to a high gloss finish. No visible maker’s marks are present in the image, but the style is characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century decorative shellwork common in coastal artisan regions. The condition appears excellent with no visible missing inlay or significant cracking, though fine surface scratches consistent with handling may be present upon closer inspection. The quality of the joinery and the refraction of the shells indicate skilled craftsmanship.