Natural Material, Hand-Finished Detail
Shell-inlay brings together the natural colour, grain, translucency and shape of shell with careful hand finishing. These natural qualities vary from piece to piece, so no two works are exactly alike.
How a Work Comes Together
In the Beihai shell-inlay tradition, makers select pieces for their natural colour and texture, then shape, polish and assemble them into a composition. Each work in this shop is hand-finished by a craftsperson with more than fifteen years of experience.
Natural Variation
Small shifts in tone, texture, outline and hand-finished detail are expected features of natural shell and the making process. They are part of each work’s individual character, not defects.
Care
- Handle with care and avoid impact, scraping, bending or pressure.
- Keep the work away from oils and prolonged damp conditions.
- If it becomes wet, gently wipe away moisture with a soft dry cloth and allow it to air dry.
Before You Choose
Materials, dimensions and availability vary by work. Please read the individual product page before purchase. For questions about a specific work, contact us.