Mid-century turtle sculpture and Murano glass ashtray by Barovier&Toso.

A rare and exquisite vintage piece of Murano glass that masterfully combines functional design with playful zoomorphic art. This sculpture represents a stylised turtle, whose shell serves as an elegant bowl or ashtray. Made by the famous Venetian furnace Barovier&Toso, this piece showcases the iconic "Cordonato Oro" technique. The deep, vibrant red glass is infused with a dense suspension of 24-carat gold leaf, creating a shimmering and luxurious effect. The ribbed texture (cordonato) of the body adds a rhythmic and organic touch characteristic of mid-century Italian modernism. The head and limbs of the turtle are delicately hand-formed, highlighting the exceptional skill of the master glassmakers. This dual-purpose object is perfect as a sophisticated ashtray, a jewellery catchall, or a standalone decorative sculpture. Creator: Barovier&Toso. Design period: 1950-1959. Place of origin: Murano, Italy. MATERIAL: Murano blown glass, 24k gold leaf. Technique: Cordonato Oro (striped gold), Bullicante (controlled bubbles) Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or restorations. Marking: Signed/marked on the base (see photos). Barovier&Toso is one of the oldest and most prestigious glassmakers in the world. Pieces from the "Cordonato Oro" series, particularly animal forms like this turtle, are highly sought after by collectors of Italian art glass for their timeless elegance and craftsmanship.