Summary

Ornament constructed from a variety of shell types, modelled to look like a bunch of flowers in a basket. It is an example of the type of handicrafts exhibited at Melbourne exhibitions; according to the donor, this ornament was exhibited at either the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition or the 1888 Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition. The ornament is covered by a glass dome; such domes were a popular way of preserving such arrangements.

Physical Description

The ornament consists of between 40 and 50 hand crafted flowers made of shells (some of which have been painted), wire and a fibrous material. The basket is made of cane and had been covered in shells along the handle and sides, while the base is covered with a fibrous material.

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