The carver has implied an open shell, highlighted by Mother of Pearl swirling inlay along the curves. Carved of Solomon Island rosewood (pterocarpus indicus).
For the mother of pearl inlay, the artist cuts a piece of shell to fit the space, then cuts it into tiny pieces, files each one to create the pattern, and then puts each individual piece in place using custom putty.
 
Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
Personally collected Firebird Voyage
18.5"L x 17"W x 6.5"H