China, ca. 1850. Oblong, 15.0 x 23.0 cm. Glass covered, in simple but elegant frame of 27.0 x 34.0 cm.

Delicately watercoloured images of Chinese shells by an unknown artist. Most shells are from marine environments (South Chinese Sea), and large and colourful. The genera are usually very recognizable, species-level identification is less easy, but that of course was not the aim of the artist. Some light spotting and a few tiny dents, but not very distracting. A unique item.