Les carapaces de tortues
The shells of sea turtles has been used as a fine material to be cut and bent and decorated for centuries all over the world. Originating in the warm tropical seas of Africa and the Pacific, it made its way to Europe and the New World in the shape of spectacles, combs and delightful objects, often paired with silver, and sometimes precious stones and pearls. In the last few decades, whole shells have taken their place in interiors with stunning effect.
Utilitarian objects
Jewelry and adornments
Bent and cut into bracelets and necklaces
Finely carved as here in Doris Duke's comb collection
adorned with pearls as in this Victorian comb and "tiara"
a smiling/menacing tortoise mask
Tortoise shells as art
on walls
on stands
Breathtakingly en masse at the Tides Hotel in Miami designed by Kelly Weastler
As sea turtles are protected, current designers resort to faux tortoise shell plastic and other imitation materials.
Faux turtoise shell
Alexander Mcqueen's fun clutch
Albert hadley's cupboard
And this faux turtoise coffee table I shot at the Lee Jofa showroom yesterday with my cell phone (it shows)
And if you are totally against the idea of tortoise shell altogether you have options
Faux faux turtoise shell
Jonathan Adler's interpretation in white china.
images saffronia baldwin, house beautiful, brian douglas, o gallerie, shopmania, stylehive, this next, quai branly, blue velvet vintage, the man of style, house and home, beverly hills honeys, the lennoxx
au revoir.
Posts
