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All auctions / Ethnographical / Extra-large natural sea fan white structure Monumental...
An extraordinary natural sculpture for collections and interior design. — An imposing specimen of fan-shaped gorgonia (Gorgonacea), a marine bio-architecture masterpiece from the waters of Indonesia. Carefully mounted on a solid black display base, this natural colony becomes a sculpture with a strong visual impact, combining the scientific interest of natural history with the elegance of an art object for interior design. Its monumental dimensions and the complexity of its structure make it a focal point of exceptional charm. The entire colony develops according to a predominantly planar morphology, optimized in its original environment to intercept marine currents. From a robust basal trunk, the main branches depart, thinning progressively in a succession of dichotomous divisions. These branches interlace and anastomose countless times, creating a dense and complex reticulated pattern. Seen up close, the structure evokes the image of biological lace, a vascular system, or the map of a river delta, a fractal geometry carved by nature over years. The coloration is a delicate weave of natural tones ranging from ivory white to cream, enriched by warmer shades of beige and ochre. This chromatic palette not only testifies to the authenticity of the specimen but also allows appreciation of every single detail of its architecture. Light passes through the thinnest sections and projects complex shadows, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the structure and creating a vibrant contrast with the deep black of the base on which it rests. From a biological standpoint, gorgonians are not plants but colonies of tiny animals, the polyps, belonging to the same phylum as jellyfish and corals (Cnidaria). The skeleton we admire, flexible yet sturdy, is made of a protein called gorgonin. The fan shape is a perfect example of evolutionary adaptation, an efficient strategy to maximize the filtration surface and capture plankton carried by submarine currents. This specimen, therefore, is not merely an aesthetic object, but the fossil record of a life that is complex and organized. With a height of almost a meter, this piece possesses undeniable presence. It is a 'living sculpture' that engages with the surrounding space, capable of defining an environment with its mere presence. Its visual lightness, produced by the perforated structure, contrasts magnificently with its imposing scale, making it suitable for both classical interiors and minimalist and contemporary contexts, where its organic form can stand out as the main work of art. This type of specimen was an indispensable element in Wunderkammern, the Renaissance and Baroque 'cabinets of wonders' where rare and wonderful objects from the natural world were collected to astonish and stimulate study. Today, this gorgonia continues to fascinate just the same, acting as a bridge between the worlds of science and design, a collectible piece for natural history enthusiasts and a decor element of rare refinement. The base, with a sober and geometric design, is an integral part of the work: it not only guarantees stability but also elevates the specimen, framing it and presenting it as a treasure retrieved from the depths. Professional mounting transforms the gorgonia from a simple specimen into an exhibit piece, ready to be placed in a library, a study, an art gallery, or a prestigious living room, bringing with it the ocean's mysterious and fascinating echo.
Estimate:£1,187.54
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£1,187.54
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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£1,362.14
A Disney's Wilderness Lodge Design Team Gift Sculpture.
12/06/2025
£206.38
Est: £152.16
