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All auctions / Ethnographical / Rubin-Shiva – Power


This impressive Shiva sculpture carved from ruby combines the intense beauty of one of the most traditional gemstones with one of the most significant figures in Hindu culture. The rich pink to ruby red, the partially translucent areas, and the natural inclusions give the figure a vivid depth. Depending on the incidence of light, different color nuances and textures come to the fore—a fascinating interplay of mineral, light, and artisanal carving. The calmly seated portrayal conveys concentration and balance. At the same time, the intense ruby red has a strong visual presence. It is precisely this contrast between meditative calm and powerful color that makes the sculpture an extraordinary collector’s and art object. Shiva – emblem of transformation and new beginnings Shiva is one of the central deities of Hinduism and occupies a particularly prominent position in Shaivism. He is associated with transformation, renewal, meditation, and spiritual insight. The frequently used designation of Shivas as the “Destroyer” is too narrow. In Hindu thought, destruction also means transformation: the existing is dissolved so that something new can arise. Thus Shiva embodies the perpetual cycle of becoming, passing, and renewal. At the same time, Shiva appears as a great yogi and meditating figure. The serene posture of this sculpture consciously reflects this aspect. The crossed legs, the hands resting in front of the body, and the concentrated expression convey composure, calm, and inner strength. Ruby – one of the classic gemstones of human history Rubies belong to the mineral group corundum. Corundum consists essentially of crystalline aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its famous red to pink-red color is mainly due to small amounts of chromium that are incorporated into the crystal lattice during crystal formation. With a Mohs hardness of 9, corundum is among the hardest natural minerals. This exceptional hardness makes the processing of larger ruby objects demanding and clearly distinguishes ruby from many softer jewelry and decorative stones. For centuries, ruby has enjoyed a special status in many cultures. Its intense color has traditionally been associated with life force, passion, courage, energy, and strength. These meanings are historical and spiritual attributions and should be distinguished from scientifically proven properties of the mineral. Nature remains visible The sculpture is particularly characterful due to the natural characteristics of the material used. In addition to rich pink-red areas, there are lighter, translucent zones as well as natural inclusions and darker mineral particles. These features are part of the grown stone and give the sculpture its individual appearance. Rather than pretending to be a perfectly homogeneous material, the object consciously shows the mineralogical character of its raw material. Under targeted lighting, the figure gains even more impact: light can partly penetrate the stone and cause certain areas to glow more intensely. This creates a remarkable spatial depth that changes with the viewing angle. Artful combination of gemstone and symbolism The design of the figure follows a clear, balanced composition. Shiva sits on an ornate base, while the garment, facial features, hands, and posture are carefully carved from the stone. The natural color distribution of the ruby becomes an integral part of the artwork. This is precisely what makes high-quality gemstone carvings special: the artist works not only on the stone but with its natural givens. Color, transparency, inclusions, and structure influence the effect of the finished object. Thus arises a piece that cannot be regarded solely as a mineral or solely as a sculpture. It combines geology, traditional stone-cutting art, and centuries-old symbolism. A characterful one-of-a-kind for discerning collectors This ruby-Shiva is aimed at lovers of exceptional minerals as well as collectors of Asian art and gemstone carvings. In a mineral display case, on a high-quality pedestal, or under targeted lighting, the intense color of the ruby can be particularly striking. Natural color gradients and inclusions make every carving made from genuine mineral unique. It is precisely these irregularities that give such an object its unmistakable character and also tell of the natural formation history of the material. An extraordinary ruby-Shiva in which the powerful color of the gemstone meets the calm of a meditative depiction — a striking one-off as a fusion of natural history, craftsmanship, and the timeless symbolism of transformation and renewal. Product Name: Ruby Shape: Rough Weight: 12.7 ct Size: 20x12x6 mm Origin: Tanzania Treatment: Unheated Our shipping costs are checked and recognized by Catawiki. We have an external shipping company that handles final inspection, pickup, packaging, and shipping; thus these shipping costs arise. Buyer bears all potential import and export costs, duties, shipping costs, etc.. Also see our other items and shipping costs; pickup costs can be saved.. In some of the images, the stone has been backlit to show you the color of the stone. In some stones, we have held lighting under the stone to better show the color of the pieces. And color variations, etc., may occur, as every computer, monitor, and phone may display color qualities differently.
Estimate:£236.4
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Estimate:
£236.4

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