Antique 10K Yellow Gold Hand Carved Shell Cameo Bacchante Maenad

This lovely carved shell cameo brooch features a Bacchante or Maenad in right profile with a Thyrsus at her left shoulder. As a follower of Bacchus/Dionysus, her hair is appropriately ornamented with traditional motifs including grape vines and leaves along with a cluster of grapes. She is attired in a draped garment trimmed in leopard fur and fastened with a rams head clasp.

The figure has a classic Greek nose and nicely shaped lips and chin. It should also be mentioned that the carver has taken advantage of a naturally occurring light area of the shell located at the upper right and positioned the Bacchante/Maenad's head so that her wide open eyes appear to be looking up towards a bright orb in the sky. Other areas of the shell have been carved away so that the darker parts of the shell serve to highlight the figure's toga and hair ornaments. The cameo is housed in an elegant 10K gold frame and has a hinged pin stem at the back. The top bears a subtle hand engraved name reading "E.A. Jones" executed in period script.

The cameo is in very good condition with no chips or cracks. As a natural material, there are lines present inside the shell that cannot be felt with a fingernail and color variations which are noted in the interests of thoroughness. The hinged pin stem and pin/rollover clasp are fully functional, and the top of the safety catch is hallmarked "10K". The piece shows appropriate signs of age including areas of minor wear/tarnish to the gold which are mentioned for accuracy. The cameo measures 2" by 1.5".

This highly collectible cameo displays beautifully and would be a fantastic addition to an assembly of cameos or to a wider grouping of fine antique jewelry. An elegant piece!