India has been long used to boats shaped like animals, from the peacock-shaped Mayurpankhi to the Snake Boats of Kerala. But Venetians stopped in their tracks when they found a giant violin floating down the city&rsquos Grand Canal. What&rsquos more, a live string quartet performing atop.

Conceptualised by artist Livio De Marchi, according to media reports, the giant replica (39 feet long) was made out of different kinds of wood and finished to perfection there was even space inside to hold the boat&rsquos machine.

De Marchi named it Noah&rsquos Violin.  

The violin shaped boat floated down the canal to the delight of the gondola riders, while the musicians serenaded them with music composed by Vivaldi.

According to the New York Times, &lsquothe craft set sail accompanied by an escort of gondolas, and in no time a small flotilla of motorboats, water taxis and traditional flat-bottomed Venetian sandoli joined the violin as it glided from city hall, near the Rialto Bridge, to the ancient Customs House across from Piazza San Marco&rsquo.

According to media reports, De Marchi has also floated similar wood works before including a shoe and an origami hat.