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Carved nautilus shell
Mother of pearl, w. 8 cm, by Cornelis Bellekin, after 1650
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
 

The surface of this iridescent mother of pearl shell is delicately etched with tendrils and dolphins. Bellekin's exceptional skill in manipulating the natural material, with precise attention to detail and fluidity in the design. His ability to seamlessly integrate the dolphin motif within the complex pattern highlights his mastery of both technical carving and artistic composition.
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