An exceptionally fine well figured Satinwood & Mahogany strung Ladies or Gentlemans Jewellery Casket of outstanding quality and condition, last quarter of the Twentieth Century, enclosing a set of four large Cowrie Shells from the Nineteenth Century 

The well figured satinwood square formed sloping body with mahogany strung inlay. The hinged glass lid opening to reveal a plain interior, complete with original working lock and key. 

Condition: Professionally re-French polished, cover closes firmly. 

Width: 11.25” (28.5cm). Height:  3.5" (9cm). Depth:  11" (27.5cm).  

Location: Dublin City, Ireland.    

Affordable fixed price Worldwide Store to door shipping. 

Cowrie is the common name for a group of small to large sea snail shells in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries.  

The term porcelain derives from the old Italian term for the cowrie shell (porcellana) due to their similar appearance. 

Shells of certain species have historically been used as currency in several parts of the world, as well as being used, in the past and present, very extensively in jewelry, and for other decorative and ceremonial purposes.  

The cowrie was the shell most widely used worldwide as Shell Money. It is most abundant in the Indian Ocean, and was collected in the Maldive Islands and also in Sri Lanka. Cowrie shell money was important in the trade networks of Africa, South Asia and East Asia.