19th Century Folk Art Painted (Extra Large) Oyster Shell with Sailboats, Lighthouse and Dutch Flag cased photo Carved of what I believe

Carved of what I believe is likely cow bone

I believe a homemade one-off as decorated

readily perched most anywhere

Most of all I love how composed but acutely observant and alert he seems --a wonderfully watchful presence to keep near

19th Century Folk Art Painted (Extra Large) Oyster Shell with Sailboats, Lighthouse and Dutch Flag cased photo Carved of what I believeThe 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.