Pair of Shell-Shaped Dishes 1887

These silver shell-shaped dishes, made by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, present us with a fascinating dive into symbols of luxury and nature. The shell motif, a form created by marine life, has long been associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, often depicted emerging from a scallop shell, embodying sensuality and birth. But let's consider the broader journey of this motif! In Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”, Venus stands in a giant scallop shell, a symbol of divine birth and beauty, a theme that echoes through centuries, appearing even in Rococo art, adorning decorative objects. It is no accident that the maker of these dishes chose such a symbolic form. This silver shell-shaped dish engages us on a deep, subconscious level through its ties to ancient myths and enduring concepts of beauty and pleasure. As you admire these dishes, think about the cyclical nature of symbols, ever-present, always evolving, as cultural memory manifests in form.