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All auctions / Ethnographical / Cassis Cornuta Shell with Vivid Orange Aperture Natural...
Pacific Ocean Horned Helmet — This lot presents a superb shell of Cassis cornuta, commonly known as Horned Helmet, from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The specimen is masterfully presented on a custom-designed wooden and brass base, elevating it from a natural historical find to a sculptural object of striking visual impact. The combination of the organic form and the geometric base creates a piece of notable elegance, perfect for discerning collectors and for prestigious interior design. The shell stands out for its imposing bulk and solid calcareous structure, a testimony to its natural strength. The external surface displays a creamy white color, animated by subtle brown streaks that enhance its organic texture and tell of life in the marine environment. The most iconic feature of Cassis cornuta is the series of prominent tubercles, or “horns,” that project from the spire, giving the specimen a powerful and almost architectural appearance, a true masterpiece of biological engineering. The outer lip, exceptionally wide and smooth, opens to reveal a spectacularly beautiful aperture. The inner color fades from a delicate peach tone to a deep apricot orange, with a glossy finish reminiscent of the finest porcelain. This chromatic contrast between the sober exterior and the vibrant interior is one of the species’ most fascinating traits. The inner edge of the opening, finely denticulate, adds another level of detail and morphological complexity. Biologically, Cassis cornuta is one of the largest predatory gastropods in the Indo-Pacific. This mollusk feeds on echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins, which it captures with its sturdy proboscis. The shell, so thick and heavy, represents formidable defense against predators, a quintessential example of evolutionary adaptation. Large, perfectly preserved shells have fascinated people for centuries, central elements in natural history collections and Wunderkammern. This specimen, by virtue of its size, completeness, and beauty of form, is an ideal piece to enrich a modern cabinet of wonders or to adorn a professional study. Its sculptural presence makes it a highly valuable decorative element, capable of dialoguing elegantly with both classical furniture and contemporary interiors. The mounting further enhances the specimen’s aesthetic value. The solid wood base with a warm tone, paired with a satin-brass cylindrical support, not only provides stability but creates a refined dialogue between nature’s organic perfection and design rigor. This presentation transforms the shell into a work of art, highlighting its shapes, colors, and majesty. Technical details Name: Cassis cornuta (Linnaeus, 1758) Classification: Marine gastropod, family Cassidae Provenance: Pacific Ocean Dimensions: 245 x 150 x 150 mm (indicative measurements including base) Weight: 1291 g (including base) Base: Wood and brass Conditions: Natural specimen in excellent state of conservation.
Estimate:£178.13
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Estimate:
£178.13
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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