A vintage black and white photograph of an open oyster shell containing a cluster of pearls, with a descending arrangement of pearls below to illustrate their size range.
pearlsoyster shellphotographpearlsoystervintageblack and whitephotographyQueenslandnatural historystill life

This is a vintage black and white photograph showcasing Queensland pearls. The top portion of the image features an open oyster shell, its interior pearly and iridescent. Within the shell, a cluster of pearls of varying sizes is visible, appearing as if they are still embedded within the oyster's tissue. Below the oyster shell, a descending arrangement of pearls is displayed. The pearls are arranged in a triangular formation, starting with larger pearls at the top and gradually decreasing in size towards the bottom. This arrangement likely serves to illustrate the range of sizes found in Queensland pearls. The pearls themselves appear lustrous and round, with a subtle sheen. The photograph has a slightly aged appearance, with some minor imperfections and a sepia tone. The text 'Queensland Pearls, Nat. Size.' is printed at the bottom of the image. The top right corner has the text 'Plate XXXVII' and the bottom left corner has 'W. Harrie Kerr, Photo.' and the bottom right corner has 'Waterlow & Sons Limited.'


License: CC0