19th Century Folk Art Painted (Extra Large) Oyster Shell with Sailboats, Lighthouse and Dutch Flag collectible dominoes but it is structurally sound

but it is structurally sound

one wading and the other quietly perched

How not to love a creature like this

sewn strips of heavy duty oil cloth to which the bells are sewn

weighty presence

19th Century Folk Art Painted (Extra Large) Oyster Shell with Sailboats, Lighthouse and Dutch Flag collectible dominoes but it is structurally soundThe manner and relative fineness of this folk art (likely sailor made) shell painting says 19th century for sure. I've always got an eye for a good folk art painting on a shell, but this excellent seascape, purchased from a dealer in Maine, was an especially happy find, all the more so for having been painted on an oyster shell and an extra large one. With a Dutch flag flying from the lighthouse, so one presumes painted while at sea, far from home.