Shell Box (Primary Title)
Compact (Object Name)
Jean Schlumberger, French, 1907 - 1987 (Artist)
The giant clam is native to the shallow coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, whose tropical islands were among Schlumberger’s favorite destinations. Just as no two giant clams have the same coloration, each of Schlumberger’s naturalistically modeled clamshell boxes features unique combinations of gemstones.
This box functions as a compact: the lid interior holds a small, fan-shaped mirror, and the bottom half forms a well for pressed powder. Mrs. Mellon commissioned at least one custom version of this box, requesting that Schlumberger remove the mirror and bottom half, leaving the jeweled top half to serve as a bonbonnière, or candy dish, when set upside down.
The Rachel Lambert Mellon Collection of Jean Schlumberger, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, February 10 - June 18, 2017
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
