From the Upper Miocene, Burdigalian (20-16 million years ago) the free-standings specimens of Gigantopecten restitutensis of varying size creating an impressive sense of depth and fluidity as large scallops gradate down to smaller young specimens at the base of the plate, the group prepped in original matrix.

36¹⁄₄ x 38 x 7¹⁄₂in. (92 x 96.5 x 18.8cm.)

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
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Lot Essay

Preserved in their final pose, these fossils are the ancestors of today's modern (edible) scallop. Both paleontologically and visually intriguing specimens, they are characterized by their distinctive fan shaped shells, composed of two valves that are hinged together. The intricate pattern of ridges and grooves of the shells’ morphology has provided scientific insight into these fossilized scallops' growth and development, whilst the unique and visually striking design of pectens have long been admired by for their beauty, employed as iconographic symbols of femininity in painting and sculpture, and displayed as decorative and design objects. The present Lot is remarkable for its structural design, the scallops' surrounding host rock has been carved away to reveal their detail.