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A late Victorian shellwork diorama in the shape of a porthole. This is one of the larger examples, and features a chromolithograph of a sailship tacking in the wind out at sea.
 
In front of the image is an artfully arranged display of shells, seaweed, and coral creating a 3D effect to the view. All encased in a hand-blown glass bubble. In overall good condition for its age. Please note there is some surface dirt and dust to the inside of the glass.
 
These shellwork dioramas were produced in the late Victorian/early Edwardian period as souvenirs of coastal towns and seaside locations, often bought by sailors as presents for their sweethearts.