murano glass snail

Mid-to-late 20th-century Italian art glass sculpture, specifically a stylised snail, originating from the island of Murano, Venice. It is a product of the Bel Oro Glass company, produced by Sacca Serenella. The piece is hand-blown from clear cristallo glass with 24-karat gold leaf inclusions.

This is a finely crafted and whimsical art glass sculpture representing a stylised snail, a classic motif in mid-century Murano glass production. The piece is executed in high-quality, clear and colourless cristallo glass, prized for its exceptional clarity and brilliance, which allows for an unimpeded view of the internal decorative elements.
The form is fluid and dynamic, capturing the creature in a moment of elegant motion. The body is formed from a single gather of molten glass, expertly drawn and shaped by hand to create an elongated, serpentine neck that rises in a graceful S-curve, culminating in two delicate, upturned antennae. The substantial, solid glass base provides stability and flows seamlessly into the snail's body.
The most prominent decorative feature is the snail's shell. This element is richly imbued with genuine 24-karat gold leaf, which has been captured between layers of the clear glass. The gold is not merely applied to the surface but is fully encased, a technique that protects it and creates a dazzling sense of depth and liquid warmth. The shell is rendered as a series of coiled lobes, and the gold leaf within appears beautifully fractured and suspended, catching the light from every angle to produce a rich, metallic lustre. The tips of the snail's antennae and the curled 'tail' are also skillfully accented with the same encased gold leaf, providing a harmonious balance to the overall composition.
A significant mark of authenticity is the presence of the original foil label, which is affixed to the side of the body. The shield-shaped, gold-coloured label reads "BEL ORO 24K GLASS" and "SACCA SERENELLA MURANO / made in Italy," confirming its origin, maker, and the purity of the gold used.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: 9JHQ2KCVR

Maker/Artist:

Sacca Serenella Murano

Materials:

glass and gold leaf

Width (cm):

10

Height (cm):

20

Depth (cm):

8

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

Make an Offer

Jenny Ticehurst

Contact details