Murano Art Glass Pelican Figurine
This is a sophisticated hand-blown art glass figurine of a pelican, executed in the Mid-Century Modern style characteristic of Murano, Italy (circa 1950s-1970s). The piece demonstrates master-level glassmaking techniques, utilizing a combination of 'sommerso' (submerged) glass Layers. The Pelican is depicted in a seated position with an open beak, which reveals a translucent amber/honey-colored hollow glass pouch. The body and neck feature a complex tortoise-shell or 'calcedonio' effect with deep amber and black mottled patterns, overlaid with a substantial shimmering effect likely created by the application of silver or gold leaf foil ('aventurine' or 'foglia d’argento') within the glass casing. The silvering is particularly prominent on the back and neck, giving the piece a metallic luster. The figurine sits on a solid, dark obsidian glass base. The construction is heavy and solid, indicating high quality. Condition-wise, the glass appears to be in excellent vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or deep scratches; the internal foiling shows no signs of oxidation. While no maker's mark is visible in the image, the style, weight, and color palette are consistent with the work of masters like Archimede Seguso or firms like Seguso Vetri d’Arte.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $700
Basic Information
Category
Decorative Arts / Art Glass
Appraised On
February 22, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $700
Item Description
This is a sophisticated hand-blown art glass figurine of a pelican, executed in the Mid-Century Modern style characteristic of Murano, Italy (circa 1950s-1970s). The piece demonstrates master-level glassmaking techniques, utilizing a combination of 'sommerso' (submerged) glass Layers. The Pelican is depicted in a seated position with an open beak, which reveals a translucent amber/honey-colored hollow glass pouch. The body and neck feature a complex tortoise-shell or 'calcedonio' effect with deep amber and black mottled patterns, overlaid with a substantial shimmering effect likely created by the application of silver or gold leaf foil ('aventurine' or 'foglia d’argento') within the glass casing. The silvering is particularly prominent on the back and neck, giving the piece a metallic luster. The figurine sits on a solid, dark obsidian glass base. The construction is heavy and solid, indicating high quality. Condition-wise, the glass appears to be in excellent vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or deep scratches; the internal foiling shows no signs of oxidation. While no maker's mark is visible in the image, the style, weight, and color palette are consistent with the work of masters like Archimede Seguso or firms like Seguso Vetri d’Arte.
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