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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Brilliant Peruvian Pyrite Heart - Striking Contrast...
Heart carved from a single block of natural pyrite — This remarkable specimen is a heart-shaped sculpture, masterfully cut from a solid block of pyrite from Peru. Weighing nearly 1.3 kg, the piece stands out for its striking aesthetic duality, juxtaposing two finishes in a visual and material dialogue of great impact. One side of the heart has been skilfully smoothed and polished, while the other reveals a natural cavity, a sparkling geode exposing the mineral’s original crystal structure. The polished surface enhances pyrite’s metallic sheen, with reflections ranging from pale brass yellow to silver, depending on the incidence of light. This mirror finish is not perfectly uniform, but is dotted with small natural cavities and irregularities that attest to the authenticity of the rough mineral and add character to the sculpture. The heart’s shape, universal and symbolic, is rendered with soft lines and a full volume, inviting touch and giving the object a solid, imposing presence. In sharp contrast, the concave part of the heart opens like a chest, revealing a dense and dazzling carpet of pyrite crystals. Thousands of tiny cubic crystals, perfectly formed with characteristic striations on the faces, crowd together to create a three-dimensional, vibrant surface. When light hits this druse, every single crystal refracts it in countless directions, generating a dynamic and hypnotic sparkle that captures the eye. This section preserves the wild, geometric beauty of the mineral as it formed in nature. Geologically, pyrite is an iron sulfide (FeS₂) that crystallizes in the cubic system, often under hydrothermal conditions. The cavity visible in this piece is a “vug,” a hollow space within the rock where crystals were free to grow without impediment, reaching geometric perfection. The artisan recognized the value of this natural formation and, rather than removing it, made it the focal point of the sculpture. The work thus becomes a celebration of matter, a balance between human intervention, which imposed the symbolic form of the heart, and the creative force of nature, left intact in its crystalline core. This pyrite heart transcends the mere category of collectible mineral to become a sophisticated object of art and design. It is an ideal piece to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer or to be displayed as a sculpture in a study, a library, or a prestigious setting. Historically known as “ fools’ gold” for its misleading color, pyrite today is appreciated for its intrinsic allure and powerful aesthetics. In this specimen, the contrast between the smooth, reflective surface and the crude, glittering interior creates a visual narrative about hidden treasures and beauty revealed.
Estimate:$422.22
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$422.22
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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