Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed nowBy subscribing, you are agreeing to the privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Artistically Carved Blue Sodalite Parrots on a Large...
An artwork that combines sculptural mastery and the natural beauty of minerals — Presented on an elegant metal pedestal, this sculpture is a superb example of mineral art from Brazil, a nation renowned for its geological treasures and the incomparable craftsmanship of its artisans. The piece captures a vibrant scene: a pair of macaws, meticulously carved in an assemblage of hard stones, are perched on a towering, luminous rough quartz crystal. The composition is a harmonious dialogue between organic form and artistic precision, a collectible that celebrates both the natural beauty of minerals and human ingenuity. The two birds, depicted in a pose suggesting an intimate conversation, are the unquestioned protagonists. Their bodies are masterfully carved from Sodalite, a gem with a characteristic deep blue veined with white. This material choice is not accidental: the stone’s natural texture evokes the varied density of the plumage. The sculptor’s skill is evident in the engraving of each individual feather, giving a tactile and visual realism. The details are of exceptional finesse: the sharp, curved beaks are carved from glossy black Onyx, while the eyes, two small red gems set in, impart a lively and attentive expression. The long, flowing tails are a masterpiece of inlay, a multicolored mosaic of stones creating a spectacular color contrast. The golden metal legs grasp the crystal surface with realism. The natural perch is a massive aggregation of Clear Quartz, commonly known as Rock Crystal. The rough specimen has been carefully selected for its quality and dramatic presence. A large primary crystal, with an almost perfect termination and notable translucency, dominates the composition, emerging from a base of smaller, interconnected crystals. The natural surfaces, with their crystalline geometries, phantom inclusions, and internal light play, provide a spectacular backdrop and a material contrast with the smooth surfaces of the parrots. This base is not a mere support, but an integral part of the work, symbolizing the natural world from which the gems themselves come. This creation is an emblem of the renowned Brazilian tradition of glittica, the art of carving hard stones. This kind of work requires not only a deep knowledge of mineralogy but also extraordinary technical skill to carve, assemble, and polish the different components into a coherent whole. The sculpture is an object destined for a contemporary Wunderkammer, perfect for enriching a natural history collection, a professional study, or as a focal element in high-end interior design. It is a piece that fascinates, educates, and adorns, merging the charm of geology with the elegance of art. Technical details Name: Mineral Sculpture with Parrots in Hard Stones Classification: Carved mineral Provenance: Brazil Dimensions: 270 x 220 x 160 mm Weight: 3480 g Material: Sodalite, Clear Quartz, Onyx (presumed), various hard stones, metal Base: Custom-painted metal support
Estimate:$2,128.2
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$2,128.2
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed now$10.06
A French gilt wirework box in the form of a bee skep, second...
10/06/2026
$158.57
Est: $200.53
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
