Since antiquity the scallop shell has symbolized the feminine principle. Venus, the Roman goddess of love, is frequently depicted with a scallop shell, as in Botticelli's famous painting "The Birth of Venus." Simple and unobtrusive, these Shell Firebacks will fit into any decor, from traditional to contemporary. The fireback has been an indispensable part of the fireplace tradition in Europe since the 15th Century. The colonists carried this tradition to America and today you can add that touch of elegance and history to your own fireplace. While many people think of our Firebacks as being purely decorative, solid cast iron firebacks first absorb and then radiate the heat directly into the room, making the fireplace much more efficient at heating the house. They also protect firebrick, increasing the life of the firebox and helping to prevent further damage to an aging fireplace. Firebacks are designed to rest on the floor of the hearth, but fireback supports may also be used to hold t