Mid-Century Murano Pink & Gold Aventurine Bullicante Glass Conch Shell Dish

Details

Description

For your consideration: A mid-twentieth-century Venetian art glass vessel executed in the biomorphic form of a stylized conch shell. The … Read more For your consideration: A mid-twentieth-century Venetian art glass vessel executed in the biomorphic form of a stylized conch shell. The interior basin features a soft, pastel-pink glass core imbued with a precise, grid-like matrix of bullicante.

The pigmented interior layer is enveloped within a heavy outer casing of clear glass, thickly suspended with copper-gold aventurine inclusions (aventurina). The lower extremity tapers into a tightly twisted, ribbed spire, while the upper aperture extends into a dramatically flared, undulating rim—demonstrating the exceptional hot-work manipulation characteristic of mid-century Muranese studio glassworks.

Technical & Material Analysis
Casing (Incamiciato): Multi-layered glass construction featuring a translucent pink inner layer sealed within a heavy, clear outer gather.

Gold Aventurine (Aventurina): Suspension of metallic copper crystals within the molten matrix, producing a sparkling, light-refracting field across the exterior profile.

Controlled Bubbles (Bullicante): Formed using a spiked brass mold (bronzinante) to impress a regular grid of depressions into the soft gather, which traps uniform air pockets beneath subsequent overlays.

Condition Assessment
Status: Pristine

Microscopic and tactile inspection confirms structural integrity throughout. No visible stress fractures, chips, or edge abrasion (flea bites). Basal contacts display expected minor shelf wear consistent with period age and handling; pontil scar fully ground and polished. See less