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Overview
A natural ostrich eggshell, hand carved with a giraffe among tall trees with long, drooping branches. The giraffe's patchwork coat and notched mane are cut in shallow relief, and the branches are covered in rows of small scalloped leaves. Small heart-shaped openings are pierced right through the shell among the branches. In daylight it reads as a white-on-cream relief carving. With a small light placed underneath, the shell glows a warm orange and the openings light up (the lit photos use a phone light; no light fitting is included). It comes with a dark carved wood ring stand and suits a shelf, desk, mantel or display cabinet.
Background
Carved ostrich eggs are made as decorative pieces by cutting away the outer layer of the shell with small rotary tools, which gives the white-on-cream contrast, and piercing through the shell for openwork. This piece is unsigned and unmarked. The carved wood stand is African, and the egg is most likely East African work. The uncarved areas keep the shell's natural pitted surface, and the wood stand is carved with a continuous band of leaves and flowers.
Condition
Good condition with no visible cracks, chips or losses to the pierced areas. The stand is in good condition with no breaks. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The egg is 6.0 inches high and 4.0 inches in diameter. The stand is 3.5 inches in outer diameter, 2.8 inches in inner diameter and 1.0 inch high. Together they weigh about 10.4 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
