Polished Haliotis Iris Shell with Vibrant Blue-Green...

Haliotis Iris - natural mother of pearl shell — We present a magnificent specimen of Haliotis iris, the famous Pāua shell, endemic to the rocky shores of New Zealand. This piece is not merely a natural history sample, but a true sculptural object, transformed by human intervention to reveal its intrinsic beauty. The shell, fully polished, is mounted on an elegant customized black wood and brass base that enhances its shape and color, making it a piece of furnishings with great refinement and visual impact. Direct observation of the specimen reveals exceptional iridescence, an optical phenomenon that creates a play of changing and deep colors. The surface, both inner and outer, shines with hues ranging from cobalt blue to emerald green, passing through violet tones, turquoise, and golden glints. This chromatic display, known as the "orient" (orient), is not due to pigments but to the interference of light on the micro-lamellar structures of the aragonite that make up the mother-of-pearl. The complete polishing allows this feature to be appreciated in all its magnificence, giving the surface a fluidity and a mirror-like luster. Despite the processing, the natural morphology of the shell remains perfectly legible, including the characteristic row of respiratory pores (tremata), which attest to its biological origin. From a scientific standpoint, Haliotis iris is a marine gastropod whose shell is a masterpiece of bio-mineralization. The slow growth in cold, nutrient-rich New Zealand waters contributes to forming a particularly thick and compact mother-of-pearl, endowed with an intensity of color considered among the most spectacular in the world. This specimen is therefore a fragment of natural history that tells the story of a species adapting to a unique environment. The choice to polish the shell and mount it on a base is not casual, but serves a precise aesthetic purpose: to transform a wonder of nature into a collectible piece and design object. The minimalist and modern support, with its brass rod and solid wooden pedestal, elevates the shell, allowing it to be admired from every angle as a true sculpture. This piece fits perfectly in different contexts, from a bookshelf to a professional studio, up to becoming the focal point of a modern Wunderkammer or Cabinet of Curiosities, combining the charm of natural science with the elegance of contemporary design. **Technical details** **Name:** Haliotis iris shell (Pāua) **Classification:** Gastropoda, Haliotidae **Origin:** New Zealand **Dimensions:** 243 x 120 x 50 mm (overall, including base) **Weight:** 148 g (overall, including base) **Base:** Wood and brass

Estimate:£201.02

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