The focal point of 'The Young Mother' is Mary, the Blessed Virgin, a revered subject of these stunning 1800's meerschaum devotional carvings.
Meerschaum, also known as sepiolite, is a soft white mineral, often used to make smoking pipes. It is sometimes found floating on the Black Sea and rather suggestive of sea-foam, hence the German origin of the name as well as the French name for the same substance, écume de mer. It could be scooped up by sailors and carved while on their ships. Many such carvings were devotional.
The carved figure of Mary in this pendant is set in a brass bezel and is typically protected by a glass dome. The glass on this piece is missing, and it is quite wonderful to be able touch and see the carving from many different angles. I have added a strand of light blue rhinestones surrounding the bezel in honor of Mary. Her face is rendered beautifully and has a melancholy feel to it. Her eyes, and the turned down corners of her mouth especially invoke the love and sadness that she experienced. There is some damage around the neck and collarbone, where some of the meerschaum has flaked off, leaving a whiter look to the mineral. It is suspended from a necklace of blue aventurine gemstone beads, with clear crystal faceted beads as spacers. The mineral back of this piece has been sealed by a previous owner. This necklace is a truly remarkable and moving statement piece.
Length is adjustable along the generous chain, and can be as long as 32". The dimensions of the meerschaum carving are 3 inches by 2 1/4 inches.
I work with antique and vintage parts. Some may show signs of wear or age. Please look at each picture closely. I have tried to show all aspects of my work. Please contact me before purchasing if you have any questions or would like more clarity in a picture. I like to think that older items have a character that newer parts have not yet earned.