Sculptural 18th century Italian hand-carved and gilded base with a Chesapecten fossil shell formation and natural-forming baroque pearls.

The Chesapecten shell cluster was found from the banks of the James River and are usually 3 to 8 million years old. Fossilized marine life makes up parts of the shell cluster's matrix. They go through a meticulous cleaning and sealing process in order to protect and solidify the formations.

The back of the piece is an additional wooden structure that was added to the back of the base later and signifies the importance of the piece, ensuring the base could stand upright after it had aged over time.

The Italian gilded artifact is preserved and transformed into a work of historic and organic significance with the rare shell formation - creating a historic and organic sculptural work of art.

18.5 high x 10" wide x 5.5" deep