1970s Tahitian Turbo Marmoratus Mother-of-Pearl Shell Mood Lamp

Details

Description

A vintage Tahitian artisan-made mood or accent lamp, circa 1970s–1980s, constructed from a substantial natural Turbo marmoratus shell mounted upon … Read more A vintage Tahitian artisan-made mood or accent lamp, circa 1970s–1980s, constructed from a substantial natural Turbo marmoratus shell mounted upon a second natural shell section forming the pedestal. Produced in Tahiti or French Polynesia, the lamp combines the characteristic mass and spiral structure of the green turban shell with extensive areas of exposed nacre and retained natural exterior surface.

The principal shell retains broad passages of its original rough green-grey to brown exterior, while selected areas have been ground and polished through the outer layers to reveal the exceptionally thick mother-of-pearl beneath. The exposed nacre displays naturally iridescent tones of cream, pearl, silver, pink and green, varying with the angle of light. Fine hand-incised or engraved decoration is present across portions of the polished nacreous surface.

The shell is mounted above a second natural shell element rather than a conventional timber or manufactured base, creating a shell-on-shell construction. The lower element functions as an irregular organic pedestal while retaining the natural morphology and surface of the material.

The large natural aperture remains visible at the rear and provides access to the interior illumination. When lit, the lamp illuminates the nacre and thinner worked sections of the shell from within, emphasising the tonal and iridescent variation of the material.

Turbo marmoratus, commonly known as the green turban, marbled turban or great green turban shell, is characterised by its heavy spiral form and particularly thick nacreous interior. The species became established in Tahiti following its introduction from Vanuatu in 1967, supporting a French Polynesian date in the 1970s–1980s rather than an earlier mid-century attribution.

Measurements: 8.5 in H × 7.5 in W × 7 in D

Weight: 3.6 lb

Style: Polynesian, Tahitian, Coastal, Tiki, Organic Modern

Origin: Tahiti / French Polynesia

Age: Circa 1970s–1980s See less