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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Green Malachite with Concentric and Botryoidal Patterns...
Artisanal masterpiece with hypnotic natural patterns 'to the eye' — This lot features an extraordinarily elegant item: a hexagonal jewelry box, entirely crafted in high-quality Malachite from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The object represents a perfect synthesis between the raw beauty of the mineral kingdom and machinery craftsmanship of the highest precision, transforming an iconic mineral into a collectible piece and a sophisticated decorative element. Its clean geometric shape contrasts magnificently with the organic complexity of the natural patterns that decorate every surface. The specimen immediately impresses with the incredible vividness of its colors and the complexity of its designs. The mirror polish enhances every detail, creating a silky, reflective surface that invites touch. The walls of the box and the lid form a true geological atlas: one can admire the characteristic bands of malachite, alternating in shades of bright green, grass green, and almost black forest green. The patterns are hypnotic: on one side, delicate wavy striations that evoke abstract landscapes; on the other, the famous orbital formations, known as "malachite eyes," concentric circles that seem to watch the viewer. The interior of the box has also been polished, revealing further patterns and testifying to the care devoted to the finish. Malachite is a hydrated copper carbonate that forms in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. Its genesis occurs through a slow process of precipitation from aqueous solutions rich in copper. The characteristic concentric bands and the botryoidal (grape-like) structures visible in this piece are the result of chemical and physical variations that occurred during its millennial growth, with each layer recording a different phase of its geological history. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been one of the most celebrated sources worldwide for gem-quality and ornamental malachite, prized precisely for the intensity of color and the spectacularity of its patterns. The creation of this box is a testament to great artisanal skill. Beginning with a block of rough malachite, the artisan selected, cut, and assembled the sections of the mineral to maximize the visual impact of the patterns on each of the six faces and on the lid. The precision is evident in the perfect fit of the lid to the base and in the almost painterly continuity of the designs along the edges. This object is not merely carved, but composed like a mosaic, where each tile is a fragment of natural history chosen to contribute to an overall harmony. More than a simple container, this malachite jewelry box is a sculptural piece that embodies the charm of the Wunderkammer, where natural specimens and precious artifacts were gathered to evoke wonder and admiration. Its presence adds a touch of luxury and mystery to any setting, be it a study, a library, or a contemporary-designed living room. It is a piece destined for the discerning collector, the lover of high-end interior design, or anyone wishing to possess a spectacular fragment of Earth’s beauty, crafted with human wisdom."} }чик-۳) possibilities - accurately . Wait ensure JSON valid: We already output. Done. }
Estimate:£152.68
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£152.68
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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