"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)

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CultureAmerican

Titles

"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)

Datec. 1850–1900

PlaceUnited States

MediumShell

Dimensions4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Alice Pratt Brown

Object numberB.73.2.2

Not on view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

STONE CARVING, SHELL & IVORY

DescriptionThe "Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) is native to the Philippine Islands and other central South Pacific areas. The different colored layers of calcium carbonate into which the cameo has been carved make the cameo appear that it has been painted or colored.
ProvenanceAlice Nelson Pratt Brown (1902–1984), Houston; given to MFAH, 1973.

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"Cameo Helmet" mollusk (Cypraeacassis rufa) with carved cameo (one of a pair)

c. 1850–1900

Shell

B.73.2.1

Samuel Gassman

Jewel 37 Cameo Crown

2023

Tiara: Iron, platinum, enamel on copper, 19th century neoclassical helmet shell cameos, pink conch shell cameo, 19th century malachite cameo, 19th century hard stone cameo, shell, ebony, rose quartz, citrine, opal, garnet, sea glass, aquamarine, amethyst, gold, natural pearls, tigers eye, 19th century cut steel, silk, cotton velvet, and silk floss Box: Archival foam core, Magic Smooth resin, cotton gauze, silk, cotton velvet, silver, metallic bullion ribbon, paper, cotton damask c. 1900, silk damask c. 1850, 18th century linen, cotton thread, and silk floss

2024.284.A,.B