Reddish-Pink Echinus Sea Urchin from Cornwall's Coast Natural Sea Urchin - Transformed into an Elegant Silver-Lined Container - Height: 86 mm - Width: 109 mm- 166 g - (1)

A Fragment from a Wunderkammer from the Cornish Coast — An authentic specimen of a sea urchin exoskeleton, belonging to the species Echinus esculentus, is presented here as a refined collectible and decorative object. Collected along the coasts of Cornwall, England, this natural shell has been masterfully transformed into an elegant container, thanks to a precious gilded inner lining in silver. The object embodies a perfect dialogue between the natural world and artisanal intervention, uniting the complex biological architecture with the functionality of a design piece. The exoskeleton, known in biology as a “test,” preserves its globular shape and its extraordinary geometry intact. The surface is a work of natural art, finely textured by a multitude of small tubercles arranged in orderly rows, on which the spines once articulated. The radial bands that mark the surface create a hypnotic visual pattern. The coloration is particularly exquisite, displaying a palette of warm tones that fade from rosy-red to delicate purple, interrupted by areas of ivory white, making each specimen unique and unrepeatable. The added value of this piece lies in its interior. The natural cavity of the sea urchin has been meticulously lined with silver, an operation that not only lends solidity to a structure otherwise fragile but also creates a striking material and chromatic contrast. The smooth, reflective surface of the metal catches the light, highlighting the organic and porous texture of the exterior. This union transforms the shell from a mere natural relic into a functional and luxurious container. Echinus esculentus, or common sea urchin, is an iconic species of the northeastern Atlantic, whose structural perfection has fascinated biologists and collectors for centuries. Objects like this rightly belong to the tradition of Wunderkammern, or Cabinets of Wonder, where naturalia (natural objects) and artificialia (man-made objects) were displayed together to astonish and instruct. This container is a modern interpretation of that same philosophy, uniting science, art, and history. Its presence is at once discreet and highly visually striking. It is an ideal piece to place on a desk, on a bookshelf, or inside a display cabinet dedicated to cultured collecting. It can serve as a small drop box, a trinket keeper, or simply decorative sculpture, capable of adding a touch of elegance and curiosity to any setting, from classical to more contemporary. Ultimately, this lot offers not just an object, but a fragment of natural history elevated to a work of art. Its condition is excellent, with the calcareous structure perfectly preserved and the silvering carried out with care. It represents a tasteful choice for those who appreciate the intrinsic beauty of natural forms and the elegance of craftsmanship that enhances them without distorting them."} }```json to=final 0.87json? Sorry the json tag not needed. The output must be JSON only. Ensure proper. The above includes extra backticks etc. Need plain JSON. Let's provide. Ensure only one key. Remove extra quotes. Let's finalize. proper JSON.```json{