- 54
A FINE SPECIMEN OF LAPIS LAZULI
Estimate
6,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- AFGHANISTAN
A beautifully sculptural piece, the freeform perfectly polished on all sides. (43 x 38 x 7 cm). Evocative of a cubist portrait, one can distinguish a prominent nose, a halo of eyes, and a mouth drawn by a fine white vein.
Condition
To request a condition report for this lot, please email science@sothebys.com
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The main deposit of Lapis Lazuli (from the Latin lapis for "stone", and the Arabic azul for "deep blue") is found in the Sar-e-Sang mine in the Kokcha River Valley of Afghanistan. The popularity of this semi-precious stone has persisted through the centuries; in the time of the ancient Sumerian dynasties (2900-2340 BCE), lapis lazuli was extremely popular, as it was believed to have the ability to ward off evil. More than 50 pounds of raw lapis lazuli were found in the Syrian palace of Ebla, and hundreds of objects fashioned from this fabled stone (such as jewelry, inlays, cylinder seals, and amulettes) were found in the tombs of the royal cemetary of Ur. What is perhaps one of the most beautiful specimens is housed in the Musée du Louvre in Paris; a cup in the form of a boat, having belonged to both Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette.