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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Extra Quality Afghan Lapislazzuli Slice - Natural Royal...
Polished free-form rough-cut precious piece, rich with golden inclusions — A magnificent, freely formed polished lapis lazuli piece, coming from the historic Afghanistan mines. This piece, of notable size and weight over a kilogram, immediately captures attention with its intense, deep blue coloration, evoking the pigments most prized in the history of art. The surface, expertly worked, offers a sculptural and modern aesthetic, making it a visually impactful object. Observing the specimen in detail reveals the superb polish that enhances every chromatic nuance and creates a surface that is almost vitreous, smooth to the touch. The dominant color is a royal blue, deep and saturated, the quintessence of high-quality lapis lazuli. On this cobalt blue background, a fine, sparkling dispersion of pyrite unfolds. These golden specks and aggregates, like stardust, create the iconic effect of a “starry night sky.” The mineralogical scene is completed by veins and areas of white and grayish Calcite, traversing the surface like luminous brushstrokes, adding dynamism and testifying to the authenticity and complex genesis of the rock. Lapis lazuli is not a single mineral, but a metamorphic rock composed of several minerals. Its unmistakable color is mainly due to the presence of Lazurite, a complex silicate. It forms through a contact metamorphism process, typically in crystalline limestones following a magmatic intrusion. The mines of Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan, active for over 6,000 years, are the oldest and most famous source in the world for this material, and specimens from this region are regarded as the benchmark for quality. This piece embodies the typical characteristics of that prestigious provenance. Few stones have such a rich and fascinating history. Since ancient times, lapis lazuli has been regarded as a gemstone of great value, symbolizing royalty, wisdom, and power. The ancient Egyptians used it extensively for jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects, as demonstrated by Tutankhamun’s famous funerary mask. During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli powder was ground to produce the pigment “ultramarine blue,” the most expensive and sought-after by the great masters of painting. Owning a specimen like this means guarding a fragment of geological and human history. With its organic shape and impeccable finish, this lapis lazuli qualifies as much a fine mineral collection piece as a sophisticated design element. It is an ideal object to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a library, or a study, where its sculptural presence and its vibrant color can be admired. Its generous size and timeless aesthetic make it a focal point in any setting, capable of dialoguing with both classical and modern furnishings.
Estimate:$418.49
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Hammer price:
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Estimate:
$418.49
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