Sea creatures of the deep - the Blaschka Glass models
During the late 19th century, Leopola Blaschka (1822-1895) and his son Rudolf (1857-1929) produced beautifully detailed glass models of bizarre sea creatures for natural history museums and aquaria all over the world.
Their work has been hailed as: “an artistic marvel in the field of science and a scientific marvel in the field of art.”
Today, the Blaschkas seem remarkably contemporary: working as they did on the cusp of design, craft, art and industry.
Click the thumbnails below to view larger images from a selection of these remarkable glass models held at Amgueddfa Cymru.
Blaschka glass models








Diameter: 200mm (including spines).

About 70mm long.


Length: 225mm. Height: 150mm.

Length: 225mm. Height: 150mm.

Length: 145mm.

Length: 85mm.

Here S. troglodytes fires stinging cells at A. mesembryanthemum who has ventured too close. This behaviour was observed first hand in the aquaria at the Blaschka's home.
Base: 180x110mm. Height: 80mm.

About 80mm high.

About 130mm across.

Diameter: 100mm

Diameter: 120mm.

Length: 90mm.

Length: 230mm.

Length: 205mm.

Diameter of bell: 60mm. Height: 180mm.

Height: 100mm.

Base: 300x575mm. Height: 250mm.

Width: 60mm. Height: 50mm.

Width: 45mm. Height: 180mm.

Diameter of bell: 80mm. Height: 110mm.

The 'float' is about 55mm wide by 90mm long. Total height: 240mm. There are about two hundred tentacles made of thin coloured glass, supported and attached by fine copper wires.
Comments - (3)
The most fascinating glass-art-work I've ever seen. I love it with all my heart!!!