Pearls at Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

[AnnaPetite]

Lovely surprises seeing these today at the museum. Mother of pearl carved shells are of a temporary exhibition Metamorfosen, other jewels are of permanent display.

 

[BWeaves]

Oh, these are lovely! Thank you for sharing your photos.

 

[ennui]

I'm fascinated by the carved shells. They appear to be South Sea? I wish I had that kind of patience.

 

[AnnaPetite]

I'm fascinated by the carved shells. They appear to be South Sea? I wish I had that kind of patience.

In the description it says "Pteria maxima Jameson". I guess it is the name of the oyster. Maybe some experts here have more info? These were made in Amsterdam, in 1600s so I am pretty sure they were not Australian. Perhaps some from Persian bays traveled to Europe those days?

The shift of colours in different angles is magnificient and indeed the details are amazing. wish I could upload the video to show the changing shimmerings.

 

[ennui]

In the description it says "Pteria maxima Jameson". I guess it is the name of the oyster. Maybe some experts here have more info? These were made in Amsterdam, in 1600s so I am pretty sure they were not Australian. Perhaps some from Persian bays traveled to Europe those days?

The shift of colours in different angles is magnificient and indeed the details are amazing. wish I could upload the video to show the changing shimmerings.

I was guessing from the size. I found:

1. Species Pteria (Margaritifera) maxima Jameson, 1901 accepted as Pinctada maxima (Jameson, 1901) (original combination).

 

[Pella]

In the description it says "Pteria maxima Jameson". I guess it is the name of the oyster. Maybe some experts here have more info? These were made in Amsterdam, in 1600s so I am pretty sure they were not Australian. Perhaps some from Persian bays traveled to Europe those days?

The shift of colours in different angles is magnificient and indeed the details are amazing. wish I could upload the video to show the changing shimmerings.

I wouldn't be so sure that they were not Australian. In 1616 Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog discovered the western coast of Australia which of course is now famous for producing South Sea pearls. It is quite possible that specimens were taken back. The Dutch East India company were exploring to the north of Australia too around Indonesia which also has South Sea pearls.

The 1901 reference to the name was to the taxonomy not to the discovery of the oyster, only to the naming.

In any event they are beautifully carved and if you look up the work of Cornelis Bellekin you will see many more examples of his shell carving.