Mother of pearl shell carved with Saint Peter

A baptismal mother of pearl shell carved in relief with Saint Peter of Verona.

Spanish Colonial, 18th century.

Measures 15.5 x 14.7cm.

The book in Saint Peter’s hand is engraved with the Latin words ‘CREDO DEUM’ which translate into English as ‘I BELIEVE IN GOD’.

The base of the shell is engraved in Spanish ‘IMAG.EN DES. PEDRO MARTIR PARASUS COFADRES Y.DEVO’, which translates roughly into English as ‘IMAGE OFF PEDRO MARTIR FOR HIS COFADRES Y.DEVO’.

The reverse of the shell is engraved in Spanish ‘POR FRA PEDRO REBOLLO, ESTA ECHA DE SOBRINO DE DOMINGO MIQUEL JORGE’, which translates roughly into English as ‘BY FRA PEDRO REBOLLO, THIS MAKES DOMINGO MIQUEL'S NEPHEW JORGE’. The translation is not completely clear however we can ascertain that Friar Pedro Rebollo carved the shell as a gift for Jorge (the nephew of Domingo Miquel) to be used and to commemorate his baptism.

It’s extraordinarily rare to find such an exceptionally fine carved pearl shell, most likely made in the Philippines, signed by the artist and with a dedication for whom it was made.

Peter of Verona, also known as Saint Peter Martyr and Saint Peter of Verona, was a 13th-century Italian Catholic priest. He was a Dominican friar and a celebrated preacher.