Glass Duck Art Appraisal

Murano Glass Mallard Duck Figurine on a Log Base

This item is a decorative art glass figurine depicting a mallard duck, likely crafted from Murano glass due to its distinctive style and the provided context. The duck is rendered in a naturalistic pose, standing upright with an elongated neck. Its body features a mottled brown and white pattern, created by infused glass cane work or aventurine (sparkling effect from metallic particles) within the clear glass, giving it a textural appearance resembling feathers. The head and neck transition to lighter, almost translucent glass with a streaky, feathery pattern in shades of beige and light brown, suggesting the natural markings of a mallard. The duck's eyes are indicated by dark or hollowed-out areas. The beak is pointed and light-colored, showing a slight yellowish-gold tint, possibly from infused gold flecks. The duck rests on a base sculptured to resemble a log or rock, which is primarily a rich amber or golden-brown color, filled with sparkling aventurine, and features clear glass accents, possibly representing water or additional rock formations. The overall construction appears to be hand-blown and sculpted, a hallmark of traditional Murano glassmaking. The piece exhibits high-quality craftsmanship, characterized by the intricate detailing of the glass patterns and the smooth, polished finish. No obvious chips, cracks, or repairs are visible in the provided images, suggesting good condition. The lack of visible maker's marks is common for unsigned Murano pieces. This figurine likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, a popular period for such glass animal sculptures.