Sommerso Style Blown Glass Penguin Figurine

This item is a hand-blown glass sculpture of a penguin, standing approximately 5 to 7 inches tall. The piece is executed in the classic 'Sommerso' (submerged) technique, featuring a core of dense black glass encased in a thick layer of high-quality crystal-clear glass. The penguin is depicted in an upright, whimsical posture with its beak pointed upward and wings slightly flared to form the base. The eyes are created using small dark glass inclusions or indentations. The craftsmanship is indicative of mid-to-late 20th-century art glass, often associated with Murano, Italy, or Scandinavian design houses like Holmegaard. The glass exhibits a smooth, high-gloss finish with soft, rounded contours. Upon inspection, there are no visible chips, cracks, or deep scratches, though minor shelf wear on the bottom surface is expected. The internal black glass is rich and opaque, showcasing the precision of the glassblower's layering. The figure lacks visible signatures or labels in this view, making it a design-centric piece from the 1960s to 1980s. The clarity of the casing suggests high lead content, providing significant weight and light refraction.