Italian Glass Penguin Appraisal

Italian Sommerso Style Murano Glass Penguin Figurine

This is a hand-blown art glass figurine depicting a penguin, crafted in a style reminiscent of mid-20th-century Murano glass from Italy. The piece features a complex 'Sommerso' technique, where layers of contrasting glass are submerged within layers of clear glass. The interior body is composed of an opaque white core representing the belly, surrounded by a deep midnight blue or black layer for the back and head. The entire form is encased in a thick, crystal-clear glass outer shell. Physically, the item stands in an upright pose with its beak pointed upward and flippers extended slightly from the body, showcasing graceful, fluid lines characteristic of high-quality glasswork. The head features small, internal controlled bubbles or darker points for eyes. The construction suggests a solid, heavy-set glass weight, typically indicative of quality craftsmanship. Regarding condition, the glass appears bright and clear with no visible fractures, deep scratches, or chips on the leading edges of the beak or flippers. The base likely has a polished flat surface to allow it to stand securely. While no specific maker's mark or signature is visible in this view, the aesthetic and execution align with mid-century modern decorative arts, likely dating from the 1960s to 1980s. The smoothness of the transitions between colors and the absence of mold lines indicate a master-crafted, hand-worked origin.