Georges Bastard (1881-1939), Les Camélias, folding fan in changing goldfish mother-of-pearl, dyed mauve, decorated with camellias and hearts with gold highlights, original Havana ribbon, h 21.5 cm/8.47 in. Paris, Drouot, March 30, 2021. Coutau-Bégarie OVV Result: €7,599
Mother-of-pearl is a durable, resilient material that mollusks secrete on the inner surface of their shells to protect them from cracking. Although produced by all gastropods and bivalves, it is not equally bright in all species. The most precious examples come from 16 species found mostly in the Pacific, including the pearl oyster, burgaudine, haliotis and trochus. Demand for their shells is so high that they are protected by the Washington Convention. Click here to read more
