Lot #37: Mother-of-pearl Caviar Dish

Mother-of-pearl iridescent caviar basket dish, often used as a condiment dish. These items are typically crafted from the iridescent inner lining of large marine mollusks, such as gold-lip, pearl oysters, or nautilus shells. The shell has been painstakingly ground and polished on to remove the rough outer bark, revealing a smooth, organic form with a brilliant rainbow iridescence that shifts under the light. These items are typically crafted from the iridescent inner lining of large marine mollusks, such as gold-lip oysters, pearl oysters, or nautilus shells. It has a carved arched central handle, forming a small decorative basket shape. The surface reflects a distinct pearlescent rainbow sheen when exposed to light. Mother-of-pearl is the standard material chosen for serving delicacies like caviar or roe. Unlike sterling silver or stainless steel, organic nacre does not oxidize when contacting the eggs. This preserves the delicate, pure flavor of the caviar without imparting an aftertaste. It is also popularly repurposed for holding small jewelry pieces, vanity items, or gourmet salts. About 2.5” x 4.5”. Pickup category timeslot {A}