Shell Flower Arrangement

CultureAmerican or European
Titles
  • Shell Flower Arrangement
Datemid-19th–late 19th century
Possible placeUnited States
Possible placeEurope
MediumSeashells, velvet, unidentified wood, and glass
Dimensions18 × 13 3/4 in. (45.7 × 34.9 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg
Object numberB.72.132
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Belter Parlor
On view

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Department
Bayou Bend
DescriptionShellwork—arranging shells into compositions such as floral bouquets or decorating small objects like boxes with shells—was not new in the nineteenth century, but it experienced an increase in popularity as an appropriate accomplishment and pastime for women who had leisure time to devote to creating ornaments for the home.
ProvenanceMiss Ima Hogg; given to MFAH, 1972.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn and unidentified wood
B.2006.12
Snail Shell
no date
Shell
B.79.5
36 Immortal Poet Shells (Sanju Roku Kasengai)
17th century
Shells, gold and mineral pigments, lacquer, sumi ink, paper, and wood
2020.134.1-.36
Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn, wood
B.59.40.5
Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn and wood
B.59.40.4
Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn, wood
B.59.40.3
Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn, wood
B.59.40.2
Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn, wood
B.59.40.6
Tumbler
c. 1800–1870
Horn, wood
B.59.40.1
Overall
1820–1920
Ivory
2023.417
Celestial Conch Shell with Skulls
900–1521 AD
Conch shell
2007.1313