
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM

All auctions / Ethnographical / Large Aqua-Green Jasper with Ochre Veins - Elegant...


Madagascar jasper — A free-form sculpture of jasper, sourced from the rich deposits of Madagascar, is presented. This unusually large specimen stands out for its rare, delicate color palette, transitioning from aquamarine to mint green, and for a finish that enhances its slender form and harmonious volume. The mirror-polished surface transforms this piece of natural history into an artwork with a strong visual impact. Direct observation of the sample reveals a perfectly smooth surface that catches and reflects light, emphasizing the stone’s complex internal weave. The dominant color is a cool, aquatic shade, enriched by delicate vertical lighter streaks, almost milky, which give depth to the mass. Breaking this homogeneous chroma are dendritic inclusions and ochre-brown veining, evidence of iron oxides formed during the mineral’s development. These inclusions create a warm, organic contrast, drawing on the surface abstract maps that make every angle unique. The shape, with a flat base that provides stability, rises upward with a sinuous flow, almost reminiscent of a stylized flame. Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony, belonging to the large family of microcrystalline quartz. Its formation occurs through sedimentary or hydrothermal processes, during which silica-rich solutions permeate preexisting rocks, depositing slowly and incorporating various minerals and impurities. It is precisely these inclusions that determine the wide range of colors and patterns characteristic of jasper. In this specific specimen, the green hues are probably due to iron silicates, while the ochre-reddish veining results from iron oxidation. Madagascar is a renowned source for the quality and variety of its jaspers, valued worldwide for the intensity of the colors and the compactness of the material, which make them ideal for ornamental work. With its considerable weight and sculptural aesthetics, this specimen transcends pure mineralogical interest to become a protagonist of interior design. Its presence can enhance any environment, from a professional study to a library, from a gallery to a contemporary living room. It represents a perfect example of a Wunderkammer object or Cabinet of Curiosities, where the marvels of nature merge with artisanal skill. The combination of an elegant form, a refined chromatic range, and a substantial size qualifies it as a collectible piece and a highly valued decorative element, capable of dialoguing with different interior styles and bringing a fragment of Earth’s geologic power into living spaces.
Estimate:£295.68
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£295.68

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