Scallop Shells

An otherworldly bed of scallop shells in pure white, harkens to the ocean past. Gigantopecten is a genus of extinct scallops that were marine bivalve mollusks, likely active swimmers and hermaphroditic. Notable for a sizeable, thick, biconvex shell that appears very similar to today’s scallops, they inspired the most typical ornamental feature in Mediterranean renaissance architecture. Preserved in an abundant rocky matrix, these fossil scallop shells require meticulous, highly-skilled cleaning and preparation. Beyond the complicated preparation process, large beds full of shells are extremely rare. This over 6-foot garden of fossil shells, unearthed in France, is displayed on a custom ebony base in beautiful contrast to the alluring white calcite pecten.