3D model of a mother-of-pearl carving (NHMW-ZOO-MO-0081100-ETH-062)

<p>3D model of a cameo made from pearl oysters, that is part of the Uetz collection.&nbsp;The relief is raised (unlike a gem) and the image appears three-dimensional. This type of engraving has been around since ancient times. Motifs are often historical or mythological in nature.&nbsp;The special, iridescent sheen of mother-of-pearl has been highly prized for centuries in the manufacture of art and jewellery.</p><p>Karl Uetz (1914–1998) was a private collector and owner of a large mollusc collection. In addition to thousands of snail and mussel shells, the collection also contains approximately 200 art and everyday objects as well as ethnographic objects. The collection was purchased by the NHMW in 1974 and digitised in 2025.</p>