Hand-Blown Art Glass Penguin Figurine

This is a hand-blown art glass figurine depicting a stylized penguin. The piece is crafted using a multi-layered glass technique featuring a solid core of white glass for the belly, encased in a deep cobalt blue or black glass layer for the back and head, which is further enveloped in a thick, clear crystal casing. The figurine stands approximately 4 to 6 inches tall and exhibits classic mid-century modern aesthetic influences. The flippers are pulled and tapered from the clear glass casing while it was still molten, showing smooth, rounded edges. A significant condition issue is visible at the crown of the head, where the glass appears to be chipped or broken off at the beak area, resulting in an uneven, jagged texture that disrupts the original silhouette. The base is likely polished flat, typical of Sommerso-style or Murano-influenced glasswork from the late 20th century. While no maker's marks are visible in the image, the craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced art glass studio origin, possibly from the 1970s or 1980s. The play of light through the clear glass flippers adds a sculptural quality, though the structural damage to the head significantly impacts its collectible parity.