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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Large Ramose Murex Shell A Masterpiece of Natural...
Murex ramosus on decorative black marble base — This magnificent specimen of Chicoreus ramosus, commonly known as the Ramoso Murice, is presented as a work of natural art, enhanced by an elegant black marble base. The shell, of considerable size, belongs to the Muricidae family and represents one of the most spectacular examples of marine biological architecture. Mounted on a turned metal chrome support and a solid base, this natural history relic becomes a decorative object of great value, capable of dialoguing with both classic and contemporary environments. Direct observation of the specimen reveals a complex and strongly three-dimensional structure. The surface is an opaque ivory white, enriched with delicate pinkish hues that intensify around the broad oval aperture. The features 'fronds' or spiny 'branches' that give the species its name radiate from the central body of the shell in a succession of past growths, creating a dynamic and sculptural profile. Each spine and each rib tell the mollusk’s growth process. The contrast between the organic, richly decorated form of the shell and the pure geometry of the glossy black marble base is of great visual impact. Chicoreus ramosus is a predatory marine gastropod native to warm Indo-Pacific waters. Its shell is not merely a protective casing but a true fortress. The long, sturdy spines serve to defend it from predators and to ensure stability on sandy or muddy bottoms. The shell grows in stages: the mollusk periodically builds a new section of the outer lip, complete with spines, before continuing its spiral growth. This specimen magnificently preserves the testimony of this cyclical process, visible in the primary varices adorned with foliate expansions. In addition to its undeniable malacological interest, this Murice Ramoso qualifies as a sophisticated collection piece, worthy of a modern Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities. Its imposing presence makes it a focal element in any setting, from a professional studio to a library, from a gallery to a design lounge. The combination of a natural element of rare beauty with minimalist display design makes it a timeless object, capable of inspiring wonder and admiration. The interior surface of the opening, smooth and almost porcelain-like, creates a fascinating contrast with the rougher, more structured exterior. The faint traces of marine life and the small natural imperfections on the exterior surface are not defects, but seals of authenticity attesting to its organic origin and its journey across the ocean. The specimen has been carefully cleaned and prepared to ensure its preservation and maximize its aesthetic impact, becoming a bridge between the world of marine biology and that of design.
Estimate:£402.91
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£402.91
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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(4 Pc) Signed L. Shand Carved Wood Tribal Style Heads
03/07/2023
£20.77
Est: £41.55
