Vintage Richard Lee Signed Sailor's Valentine 1987

A beautifully crafted sailor's valentine by Richard Lee, signed and dated 1987. Housed in a mahogany octagonal shadowbox with brass edging, the design centers on a heart-shaped shell surrounded by concentric rings of tiny spiral and scallop shells, radiating outward into a symmetrical composition of pink shell floral clusters, green spiral shellwork, delicate urchin-spine star bursts, and shell "flower" rosettes, bordered in soft pink with a ring of small banded shells along the frame's edge.

Richard Lee is a recognized contemporary maker within the sailor's valentine tradition, with signed examples of his work having sold through established auction houses. Sailor's valentines originated as a form of 19th-century shellcraft, traditionally associated with the Caribbean shell-art trade, and the tradition continues today through skilled folk artists like Lee. This piece, dated 1987, represents an early example of his work.

The piece measures 13 1/2" in diameter. The mahogany casing is in good condition with minor wear to the wood. It is ready to hang. 

Please note that items are antique or vintage and may present signs of wear or use. All sales are final.