Seashell Floral Arrangement

This item is an intricate vintage sailor's valentine-style floral arrangement crafted entirely from natural marine shells and artificial foliage. The bouquet features a variety of small, hand-selected shells that have been meticulously arranged to mimic the appearance of flowers. The cream-white blossoms appear to be small tellin or coquina shells clustered together, while the larger peach-toned flowers are formed from various bivalves, possibly pectinidae. The petals are set into centers with wires or adhesives. The 'foliage' consists of dark green cloth or plastic leaves, providing a realistic contrast to the organic shell formations. Based on its construction and style, this piece likely dates to the mid-20th century, following the folk art tradition of shellcraft. The condition shows visible signs of age including surface dust accumulation and some chips or fragments missing from the delicate shell edges. The overall craftsmanship is of moderate quality, demonstrating a significant amount of hand assembly and artistic effort. No visible maker's marks or signatures are present in the provided view, which is common for this type of decorative souvenir or hobbyist art, often associated with seaside communities and floral artistry of the 1960s or 70s.

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