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Coral-Encrusted Shell - hand modelled porcelain coral on a shell

Coral-Encrusted Shell - hand modelled porcelain coral on a shell

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Inspired by the sea creatures that live around the British Isles, the miniature corals that encrust this little shell are made of handmade porcelain. In my imagination, this precious treasure was found washed up on a beach in Victorian times, then placed under a dome so it could be displayed and enjoyed by all.

To create this sculpture, I started by choosing the shell, then made the porcelain corals to fit. The soft clay was shaped using a few simple tool (a cocktail stick is one of my favourites). Once dry, the pieces of coral were fired in my kiln to 1245 degrees centigrade, then fixed to the shell.

The glass dome has a cork base, which I painted with a dark brown stain to give it the feel of coming from an old collection. The base is 6.5cm diameter and including the dome the overall height of the piece is about 11cm. At its widest, the shell itself is just under 5cm, and including the porcelain coral it is about 4cm tall.

This is a beautiful little sculpture, and I think it would appeal to anyone who loves natural history, old collections or has a connection with the sea.

Please note I’ve done my very best to photograph the colours accurately, but colours can look different on different devices.

UK Postage only, sent recorded delivery, Royal Mail first class - signature required on arrival (takes 1-2 working days from posing). It will be posted in a box, with lots of padding.

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Last year I was invited to visit the Natural History Museum's coral collection. I spent a day behind the scenes with one of their curators, and met some coral scientists involved in researching these incredible creatures. The curator and I spent a long time looking at the specimens, and discussing historic methods of display. This sculpture grew from what I saw there and in other museums, including the Shell Museum in Norfolk (a little gem of a place).

I am fascinated by the small details of nature, and that love of the small is reflected in my work. I am very interested in the way in which many of us pick up small natural treasures and take them home to enjoy. I think it's a way of connecting deeply with the natural world and with that particular place. When we find something special, it can be a source of delight for years to come, and that is what I hope to create through my work - small treasures that speak of our connection with the natural world, and bring delight.

This item will be posted to you by Kathryn Parsons Ceramics within 5 days of receiving payment.

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United Kingdom £2.50

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Additional terms

Please note that your sculpture will be sent by Royal Mail "Signed For 1st Class" - signature required on delivery (delivery takes 1-2 working days from posting).

Please note that if your order is being posted outside mainland UK, you (or the recipient) may have to pay customs or VAT charges and a handling fee. The seller is not responsible for any charges or fees that may incur.

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Designed by Kathryn Parsons in my studio in Cambridgeshire

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