
Murano Glass Fish Figurine with 24kt Gold Leaf
This is a hand-blown artisanal glass figurine of a fish, characteristic of the Venetian glassmaking tradition from Murano, Italy. The piece features a clear glass (cristallo) exterior casing that encapsulates an inner body decorated with a high-density 'sommerso' or 'bullicante' technique. The most prominent feature is the application of 24kt gold leaf, which has been broken into a fine dust or foil (a technique known as 'a lume' or 'oro zecchino') to create a shimmering, textured core. The fish is shaped with a rounded, disk-like body and an expressive clear glass tail, snout, and fins. Three distinct labels are visible on the surface: a square silver/white label featuring a capital 'M', a circular green-and-white 'Murano Glass' authenticity seal, and a smaller rectangular gold label explicitly stating '24 carat pure gold.' The craftsmanship displays smooth transitions and a weighted base for stability. In terms of condition, the glass appears bright with high clarity, showing no obvious chips, cracks, or deep scratches, though minor shelf wear on the base is common for pieces of this vintage. The style suggests a late 20th-century production, likely dating between the 1970s and 1990s. The combination of gold leaf and the reputable Murano branding indicates a high-quality decorative art object.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Basic Information
Category
Art Glass / Collectible Figurine
Appraised On
April 19, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $650
Item Description
This is a hand-blown artisanal glass figurine of a fish, characteristic of the Venetian glassmaking tradition from Murano, Italy. The piece features a clear glass (cristallo) exterior casing that encapsulates an inner body decorated with a high-density 'sommerso' or 'bullicante' technique. The most prominent feature is the application of 24kt gold leaf, which has been broken into a fine dust or foil (a technique known as 'a lume' or 'oro zecchino') to create a shimmering, textured core. The fish is shaped with a rounded, disk-like body and an expressive clear glass tail, snout, and fins. Three distinct labels are visible on the surface: a square silver/white label featuring a capital 'M', a circular green-and-white 'Murano Glass' authenticity seal, and a smaller rectangular gold label explicitly stating '24 carat pure gold.' The craftsmanship displays smooth transitions and a weighted base for stability. In terms of condition, the glass appears bright with high clarity, showing no obvious chips, cracks, or deep scratches, though minor shelf wear on the base is common for pieces of this vintage. The style suggests a late 20th-century production, likely dating between the 1970s and 1990s. The combination of gold leaf and the reputable Murano branding indicates a high-quality decorative art object.
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