{"product_id":"antique-french-seashell-inkwell-art-3","title":"Antique French Seashell Inkwell Art","description":"\u003cp\u003eLooking for something RARE? This late-1800s, early-1900s French mail holder and ink well is it. \u003cspan\u003eThe style is called Rocaille, meaning a mix of stone and seashells. The inkwell is built on a scallop shell. The other shells provide support for the mail—an\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e antique souvenir from the seaside. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis remarkable piece of early 20th-century seaside folk art, often crafted by mariners and coastal artisans, dates back to the Edwardian or interwar years. It features a glass inkwell set into a richly textured base made from natural shells and crushed coral. Large shells form a dramatic backdrop to the prominent shell. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany retired sailors or those displaced by the shift from sail to steam turned to crafting items like this to earn a living. At the same time, as tourism grew, they began selling souvenirs at coastal ports and resorts, as well as to steamship passengers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe inkwell itself features a fluted glass base, and the metal flip lid is gone.  The combination of materials and design evokes the handmade charm and nautical heritage of a bygone era. This captivating souvenir serves as a striking example of early 20th-century seaside folk art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasuring approximately 5.5\" x 3.75\" x 3\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease email me with questions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Monahan Papers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51873348714782,"sku":null,"price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/6170\/1150\/files\/2025-11-1716.55.41.jpg?v=1779279027","url":"https:\/\/www.monahanpapers.co\/products\/antique-french-seashell-inkwell-art-3","provider":"Monahan Papers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}