Cameo Art - Veil of Night

Finely carved antique 'Veil of Night' shell cameo brooch, circa 1870, featuring Nyx - the Goddess of Night.  Nyx has her eyes closed in sleep, poppies in her hair and is surrounded by noctural symbols such as the owl, and the moon and stars.   The brooch is bezel set with a 15ct gold surround featuring love knots and applied leaf decoration. 

The cameo is 7cm (2.8 in) in height and 4.5cm (1.8 in) wide.  The reverse of the shell is engraved with the initials CK. 

The brooch is in excellent condition apart from a small hairline fracture in the shell above Nyx's head (between the two stars).  The cameo comes in its original leather box which is showing signs of wear. 

The cameo comes with a Valuation from a Registered Australian Valuer.

Click to enlarge: