Images(5)

Nautilus Shell Cup

ArtistAttributed to Cornelis van Bellekin Dutch, circa 1625–before 1701

Datesecond half of the 17th century

MediumNautilus pompilius shell, large marine oyster shell, ink, and brass

DimensionsH. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)

ClassificationsNatural Substances

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Camp-Younts Foundation and the John and Mary Camp Foundation

Object number2003.2

On View

On view

Label TextCreated from a nautilus shell native to the Indian Ocean, this cup was meant to be used only on special occasions. It is an example of an object combining an exotic natural material and the artistic skill of the carver who decorated and mounted it. Some of these carved designs also showcase imported luxury objects, like tulips.

Nautilus shells were brought from Indonesia by the Dutch East India Company, who violently colonized and occupied the region and exported vast amounts of goods to the Netherlands. Although this trade benefited the Dutch, what might it have done to Indonesia?
[M. Frederick, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," 2022]ProvenanceProbably created Amsterdam, second half of 17th century. [A. C. Belling Oude Kunst, Leeuwarden, Netherlands]; Joost R. Ritman (b. 1941), Amsterdam; [Van Aalst Antiquiteiten, Breda, Netherlands]; sold to NCMA, 2003.Published References"Dutch Flowers," Preview: The Magazine of the North Carolina Museum of Art (March/April 2004), discussed and illus. (color) 5.

Eleanor H. Gustafson, "Museum accessions," Antiques (April 2004), briefly discussed and illus. (color) 32.
Exhibition HistoryAmsterdam, The Netherlands, "Pan Art Fair," December 2000, illus. (color) 29.

Chapel Hill, NC, Ackland Art Museum, “Catch and Release: A Temporary Union of Seafood Imagery from the Ackland Art Museum and the North Carolina Museum of Art,” September 26–November 14, 2012.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," October 7, 2022–present. Object Rights Statement

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