Product Description
An exceptional piece of New Caledonian convict art, this rare 19th-century convict-carved trochus shell dates to approximately the early 1880s and has been attributed through specialist written correspondence to the unidentified New Caledonian convict artisan known as “The Modern Stylist.”
Created during the era of the French penal colony in New Caledonia, the trochus shell is extensively hand engraved with distinctive bands of highly stylised decoration. Botanical motifs are interspersed with birds, fish and maritime imagery, including a sailing vessel, while the natural mother-of-pearl iridescence of the shell creates a luminous background for the remarkably detailed carving.
The attribution of this New Caledonian convict shell is particularly significant. In September 2026, Muriel Glainec-Mainguet, Conservatrice des musées de la ville de Nouméa, confirmed in written correspondence that the shell was carved by a convict in New Caledonia and identified the work as that of the unnamed convict carver nicknamed “The Modern Stylist” for a museum exhibition. Works by this artisan have been grouped through their distinctive and highly stylised motifs.
Dr Louis Lagarde subsequently confirmed the piece as New Caledonian convict art and identified its maker as one of the early convict shell carvers whose individual style can be recognised from shell to shell. Through comparison with the motifs of a carved nautilus dated 1886, he placed this trochus shell approximately in the early 1880s.
Condition: The shell displays age-related wear and several small holes/openings within the surface, as shown in the photographs. These have been left untouched and form part of the piece's historic character. Please refer closely to the images for condition.
A Marple Antiques Provenance & Attribution Record accompanies the shell, documenting its attribution and dating. The supporting September 2026 correspondence from Muriel Glainec-Mainguet and Dr Louis Lagarde is retained in the Marple Antiques records and may be made available upon request.
Far more than a decorative carved shell, this is a tangible survivor of New Caledonia's 19th-century penal history and an unusual example of convict craftsmanship in which the hand of an otherwise unidentified artisan can still be recognised more than a century later.
Please note: Due to regulations that may apply to the international trade and export of certain shell species, this historical piece is currently offered for sale and delivery within Australia only. International shipping is not available.
Each piece in our collection carries the subtle marks of time, adding to its authenticity and charm. Any notable details are thoughtfully included in the description and imagery. Should you wish to see more, we are always happy to assist.
