Extraordinary Syrinx Aruanus Shell - Giant Size - Extra Quality - Height: 502 mm - Width: 244 mm- 2853 g - (1)

04
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19
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 430 - € 480
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One exceptional Syrinx Aruanus giant-size shell from the Timor Sea, Indonesia, weighing 2853 g and measuring 502 mm high, 244 mm wide, and 214 mm deep, classified as Extra Quality.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Exceptional specimen of the largest living marine gastropod
This extraordinary specimen of Syrinx aruanus, from the crystal-clear waters of Timor Island, Indonesia, represents one of the most fascinating giants in world malacology. With an impressive length of 502 mm, this shell is not only a rare natural relic of exquisite beauty, but also a tangible testament to the remarkable marine biodiversity of the Indo-Pacific. Syrinx aruanus is the only member of its genus and holds the record for the largest shell among all living gastropods, making it an iconic piece for any collection. The specimen features a powerful profile and an elevated spire, which rises through a succession of broad concentric steps. These spirals are bounded by sturdy keels that give the shell an almost architectural silhouette, evoking a natural sculpture. From the central, broad, and globose body, the shell tapers harmoniously to converge with the long siphonal canal, creating a striking visual balance between mass and thrust. Its shape is a tribute to biological engineering, developed to inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms, where this large predator feeds on polychaete worms. The external surface reveals a fascinating natural texture: thin growth lines intersect with spiral cords and gentle undulations, weaving a dense and orderly pattern that tells the story of its growth. Minute surface marks and irregularities, visible especially on the upper part, are the traces of its long journey through the deep sea, testimony to its interaction with the oceanic environment. These details, far from diminishing its value, enhance its authenticity and character as a natural history artifact, offering a glimpse into the life of this magnificent creature. For the collector, a Syrinx aruanus of these dimensions constitutes a highly representative specimen, ideal for enriching collections dedicated to giant shells, the Turbinellidae, predatory gastropods, or the biodiversity of Timor’s seas. In addition to its undisputed scientific and collecting value, this large shell possesses an intrinsic visual power that makes it a magnificent natural sculpture. It can be exhibited vertically to accentuate its monumental development or horizontally to emphasize the spirals and the apricot-colored aperture, enriching any environment with a touch of natural elegance and marine history. An important collector’s item that fuses marine biology, geography, and organic design, testifying to nature’s ability to create monumental shapes of extraordinary beauty.”} }/extras to JSON? The output must be exactly one key. Done. Ensure no trailing newline? Fine. Provide. } 0? It's correct. Wait there is extra closing quote? I included. Good. Provide. } }? I ended with } } . Check: The final JSON has {

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Exceptional specimen of the largest living marine gastropod
This extraordinary specimen of Syrinx aruanus, from the crystal-clear waters of Timor Island, Indonesia, represents one of the most fascinating giants in world malacology. With an impressive length of 502 mm, this shell is not only a rare natural relic of exquisite beauty, but also a tangible testament to the remarkable marine biodiversity of the Indo-Pacific. Syrinx aruanus is the only member of its genus and holds the record for the largest shell among all living gastropods, making it an iconic piece for any collection. The specimen features a powerful profile and an elevated spire, which rises through a succession of broad concentric steps. These spirals are bounded by sturdy keels that give the shell an almost architectural silhouette, evoking a natural sculpture. From the central, broad, and globose body, the shell tapers harmoniously to converge with the long siphonal canal, creating a striking visual balance between mass and thrust. Its shape is a tribute to biological engineering, developed to inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms, where this large predator feeds on polychaete worms. The external surface reveals a fascinating natural texture: thin growth lines intersect with spiral cords and gentle undulations, weaving a dense and orderly pattern that tells the story of its growth. Minute surface marks and irregularities, visible especially on the upper part, are the traces of its long journey through the deep sea, testimony to its interaction with the oceanic environment. These details, far from diminishing its value, enhance its authenticity and character as a natural history artifact, offering a glimpse into the life of this magnificent creature. For the collector, a Syrinx aruanus of these dimensions constitutes a highly representative specimen, ideal for enriching collections dedicated to giant shells, the Turbinellidae, predatory gastropods, or the biodiversity of Timor’s seas. In addition to its undisputed scientific and collecting value, this large shell possesses an intrinsic visual power that makes it a magnificent natural sculpture. It can be exhibited vertically to accentuate its monumental development or horizontally to emphasize the spirals and the apricot-colored aperture, enriching any environment with a touch of natural elegance and marine history. An important collector’s item that fuses marine biology, geography, and organic design, testifying to nature’s ability to create monumental shapes of extraordinary beauty.”} }/extras to JSON? The output must be exactly one key. Done. Ensure no trailing newline? Fine. Provide. } 0? It's correct. Wait there is extra closing quote? I included. Good. Provide. } }? I ended with } } . Check: The final JSON has {

Seller's Story

The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements. Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past". All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Number of objects
1
Main mineral
Extraordinary Syrinx Aruanus Shell -
Mineral form
Giant Size - Extra Quality
Supplement
Giant-sized Syrinx aruanus from the Timor Sea
Weight
2853 g
Origin (region/city)
Timor
Country of origin
Indonesia
Height
502 mm
Width
244 mm
Depth
214 mm
ItalyVerified
14203
Objects sold
98.42%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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