Lucite Wall Art Appraisal

Vintage MCM Lucite & Abalone Seahorse Wall Decor

This is a pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern (MCM) lucite and abalone sea horse wall decorations. Each piece is crafted from a dark, presumably black or very dark brown, lucite base which forms the silhouette of a sea horse. The bodies of the sea horses feature embedded, irregularly shaped pieces of abalone shell, creating a mosaic-like effect. The abalone pieces exhibit iridescent qualities, displaying various shades of a muted brownish-green, gray, and possibly subtle hints of blue or pink when light catches them. The heads and dorsal fins of the sea horses appear to be made from a solid, darker, possibly metallic-infused resin or a uniformly colored material that complements the lucite and abalone. The larger seahorse on the left has a more prominent, swirling tail, while the smaller one on the right has a slightly more compact form. Both items show a consistent style and construction, suggesting they are a matched set. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as cracks or chips visible in the image, although minor surface wear consistent with age and use (e.g., light scratches or patina on the lucite) might be present but not discernible from the provided photo. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with the abalone pieces neatly set within the lucite, indicating careful manufacturing. The style clearly points to the Mid-Century Modern period, likely dating from the mid-20th century, which aligns with the materials used and the aesthetic. The backings are not visible, so mounting mechanisms are unknown, but as 'wall decor' they would typically have hangers. Overall, they present as well-preserved decorative items.