磨光的虹彩鲍贝壳，拥有鲜艳的蓝绿色珠光层 优雅幻彩 - 高度: 243 mm - 闊度: 120 mm- 148 g - (1)

海螼 Iris - 自然母珍珠壳体
— presenting 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 specimen, but a genuine sculptural object, transformed by human intervention to reveal its intrinsic beauty. The shell, fully polished, is mounted on an elegant custom base in black wood and brass that enhances its form and chromaticity, making it a refined and striking furnishing element.

Direct observation of the specimen reveals an exceptional iridescence, an optical phenomenon that produces a play of shifting 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," is not due to pigments but to the interference of light on the micro lamellar structures of aragonite that compose the mother-of-pearl. The complete polish allows this characteristic to be appreciated in all its splendor, giving the surface a fluidity and a mirror-like luster. Despite the work, the natural morphology of the shell remains perfectly legible, including the characteristic row of respiratory holes (tremata), which attest to its biological origin.

From a scientific point of view, Haliotis iris is a marine gastropod whose shell is a masterpiece of biomineralization. Slow growth in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of New Zealand 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 accidental, but responds to a precise aesthetic intention: to transform a natural wonder into a collectible and design object. The minimalist, modern support, with its brass stem and solid wooden pedestal, elevates the shell, allowing it to be admired from every angle as a true sculpture.

This piece fits perfectly in diverse 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.

**Dettagli tecnici**
**Nome:** Conchiglia di Haliotis iris (Pāua)
**Classificazione:** Gastropoda, Haliotidae
**Provenienza:** Nuova Zelanda
**Dimensioni:** 243 x 120 x 50 mm (dimensioni complessive, inclusa base)
**Peso:** 148 g (peso complessivo, inclusa base)
**Base:** Legno e ottone