Vintage Glass Seagull Appraisal

Murano Hand-Blown Clear Glass Seagull Figurine

This is a fine example of a Mid-Century Modern clear glass figurine depicting a seagull in mid-flight atop an ocean wave. The sculpture is hand-blown, likely originating from the Murano region of Italy, estimated to date from the 1960s to 1970s. The piece is constructed from high-quality clear lead crystal or soda-lime glass, exhibiting excellent transparency and light refraction. The gull features long, soaring wings stretched vertically, a fanned tail, and a tapered beak. It is perched on a stylized curling wave base that has been sculpted with undulating, textured ridges to simulate moving water. The base is heavy and solid to provide stability for the tall, thin wings of the bird. The craftsmanship displays master-level glassblowing techniques, evidenced by the fluid lines, the lack of visible mold seams, and the elegant tapering of the glass toward the wingtips. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the image, which is common for such pieces, though they were often originally sold with foil labels. Condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or clouding; however, micro-scratches on the underside of the base (shelf wear) would be expected for a piece of this age. The proportions are balanced, and the execution of the bird's form conveys a graceful sense of movement, characteristic of Italian glass artistry of the period.