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All auctions / Ethnographic / Ruby-Ganesha – Wisdom


This impressive Ganesha sculpture made of ruby combines the intense natural beauty of one of the most important gemstones with one of the best-known and most beloved deities of the Hindu tradition. The strong pink, purple, and red tones, interwoven with lighter, partly translucent areas and natural inclusions, give the figure extraordinary depth and liveliness. Particularly appealing is the interaction between material and representation: the characteristic form of Ganesha with an elephant head, large ears and a curved trunk was carved plastically from the natural stone. The individual structures of the mineral remain visible. They are not mere irregularities, but part of the character of this unique natural and art object. Ganesha – the remover of obstacles Ganesha is one of the best-known deities of Hinduism and has become a symbol of wisdom, happiness, success, and a good new beginning far beyond India. Traditionally he is described as the son of Shiva and Parvati and is unmistakably recognizable by his human body and elephant head. One of his most important roles is that of the “remover of obstacles.” Therefore, Ganesha is traditionally venerated especially at the outset of new ventures, journeys, business endeavors, or important life moments. At the same time he is considered the patron of knowledge, intellect, learning, and wisdom. Even individual elements of his representation possess a rich symbolic language. The large ears are often associated with the ability to listen attentively and absorb knowledge. The elephant head stands symbolically for wisdom and strength, while the trunk combines power with remarkable sensitivity – an elephant can use it to move heavy loads as well as to pick up the smallest objects. Thus Ganesha embodies a fascinating connection of strength and sensitivity, knowledge and action, success and inner balance. Ruby – a gemstone of extraordinary significance With a Mohs hardness of 9, corundum is among the hardest natural minerals overall. This immense hardness makes ruby not only a coveted gemstone but also places special demands on the processing and polishing of a three-dimensional sculpture. Since antiquity, ruby has been valued for its intense color. Historically and culturally, the red of ruby has been associated with life force, courage, passion, energy, and strength. These are traditional symbolic attributions and not scientifically proven healing effects. A fascinating interplay of color and light The special effect of this sculpture arises from the different characteristics of the natural material. Richly colored zones alternate with lighter and more light-transmitting areas. Added to this are visible natural inclusions and darker mineral sections. It is precisely these properties that make a gemstone carving a unique one-off. While industrially produced objects should appear as uniform as possible, the appeal of a natural mineral object lies in its individuality. Under targeted lighting, the effect can change even more noticeably. The light penetrates the translucent areas to different depths and makes individual parts glow intensely. This gives Ganesha’s contours additional spatial depth and makes the various red and pink nuances particularly impressive. Nature’s history meets stone-cutting art The creation of such a figure requires a special understanding of the raw material. When carving a natural mineral, existing color distributions, inclusions, fissures, and different material zones must be taken into account. At the same time, the aim is to sculpt a harmonious three-dimensional form from the available rough piece. In this Ganesha, especially the face, trunk, ears, hands, posture, and pedestal are sculpted in relief. The natural patterning of the stone remains clearly present and gives the figure its unmistakable expression. The result is far more than a decorative object: it creates a connection of geology, handcrafted design, and centuries-old cultural history. A special one-off for collectors and connoisseurs This Ruby-Ganesha carries a strong presence both as a mineral object and as an artistic stone sculpture. On a high-quality pedestal, in a collection, or under targeted lighting, the transparency and intense color of the material can be impressively showcased. The symbolism also makes the figure a special object: Ganesha traditionally stands for overcoming obstacles and a propitious new beginning, while ruby has been associated with power and vitality for centuries. This combination lends the sculpture an additional cultural and aesthetic dimension. An extraordinary Ruby-Ganesha – created from a fascinating natural material and shaped by a centuries-old symbolic world. A characterful one-off that combines gemstone, artisanal craft, and the icons of wisdom, success, and new beginnings in an impressive way. Product Name: Ruby Shape: Rough Weight: 216,25ct Size: 43,6x31,3x20,1mm Origin : Kenya Treatment: Unheated Our shipping costs have been checked and acknowledged by Catawiki. We have an external shipping company that conducts final inspection, pickup, packaging, and shipment; thus these shipping costs arise. Buyers are responsible for all potential import and export costs, customs duties, shipping costs, etc.. See also our other items and shipping costs, pickup costs to save.. In some of the pictures the stone has been backlit to show you the color of the stone. In some stones we have held a light under the stone to better show the color of the pieces. And color deviations may occur, since every computer, monitor, and phone can display colors with different qualities. The disclaimer about the healing properties as previously given : It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. We and Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for these suggested attributes which have no scientific evidence and cannot be considered a substitute for traditional medical treatment.
Estimate:$731.85
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Estimate:
$731.85


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Pompeo Della Chiesa, armet for tournament on foot. - Lot 7
11/13/2025

$29,068.07
Est: $23,199.06