The French Coquille Dish

Vintage French white metal coquille shell dish in Rococo form, sourced from a French market.

The coquille form — a scalloped shell dish with a fluted shell as the handle — has appeared on French country tables for centuries. This example carries the full vocabulary of the form: deep ribbing, scrollwork beneath, a small shell grip. White metal (métal blanc) with a warm, slightly matte tone. Use it for butter, fleur de sel, a few olives — or simply leave it on the table as it is.

Condition: Good to very good. Well polished, ribbing crisp. No chips or damage.

Measures: L 15 × W 12.5 cm (5.9 × 4.9 inch)