Brass Diving Bell Above the Coral Garden

A huge brass-rimmed diving bell hangs from three iron chains over a coral garden. Its dome is paneled in red, teal, yellow, green and pink plates held by rivets, and strings of pearls drape across it. On top, a grassy mound holds three round wooden doors and a window, with a crab and shrimp on the flowers in front. Divers in old copper helmets climb rope ladders up the sides, an octopus works a little stove, and a child rides a sea turtle across the yellow panel. The round portholes show a kitchen with hanging copper pans, a library with a lamp, and a sleeper under a patchwork quilt. Around the bell are coral towers, sea anemones, amphorae, an anchor and a stone bust. Each colored panel on the dome holds its own little scene, so the picture splits into clear patches.