Lustrous Black Obsidian with Subtle Silver Sheen and Iridescent Bands Elegantly Carved Obsidian Flame Sculpture, Dynamic and Evocative - Height: 213 mm - Width: 130 mm- 2181 g - (1)






Holds a master’s in chemistry with 25 years’ experience in minerals consulting.
€52 | ||
|---|---|---|
€49 | ||
€46 | ||
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143038 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Flame-shaped obsidian sculpture carved from lustrous black obsidian from Mexico, weighing 2181 g, 213 mm high, 130 mm wide and 55 mm deep, with subtle silver sheen and iridescent bands.
Description from the seller
A magnificent ornamental sculpture carved from a block of obsidian sourced from Mexico. This piece, deftly shaped and mirror-polished, captures the dynamic essence of a flame, with its elongated form narrowing progressively from a wide, stable base toward a sharp apex. The curved surfaces meet along clean lines, evoking the changing profile and the intrinsic energy of fire. The material, a deep, intensely black obsidian, is enriched by fine bands and iridescent reflections that emerge with a suggestive silvery or golden luminescence depending on the light angle. These veils and arched lines, visible on the highly polished surface, add depth and character to the piece, highlighting the volcanic nature and the unique composition of this stone. Obsidian is not a mineral in the strict sense, but a natural volcanic glass formed when silica-rich lava cools so rapidly that an ordered crystalline structure cannot form. This geological process gives it a compact, amorphous, and glassy texture, characterized by a conchoidal fracture and edges that can be extremely sharp. Mexico is renowned for its rich obsidian deposits, a material of fundamental historical and cultural importance. For ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs, obsidian held value well beyond its utilitarian use. It was employed for making weapons, tools, ornaments, and ceremonial mirrors. Its black, reflective surface was associated with the night world, prophetic vision, and power, serving as a bridge between the visible and the invisible. The flame-shaped form of this sculpture amplifies the material's intrinsic symbolism: a stone born of Earth's fire that is artistically transformed to represent fire itself, a universal symbol of transformation, purification, and vital strength. This specimen represents a refined decorative element and a noteworthy collectible, ideal for enriching a study, a library, a meditation space, or a contemporary-designed environment. The sculpture is a harmonious dialogue between the mysterious depth of obsidian, the play of light on its surfaces, and the powerful symbolism of the flame, culminating in an elegant, visually striking presence. Any irregularities, fine inclusions, or color variations visible in the obsidian are intrinsic characteristics of its natural formation and not defects, adding authenticity and uniqueness to the piece. Name: Obsidian Flame-Shaped Sculpture Material: Obsidian (Natural Volcanic Glass) Craft: Hand-carved and hand-polished Weight: 2181 g Dimensions: 213 x 130 x 55 mm Origin: Mexico Condition: Excellent, handcrafted carving
Seller's Story
A magnificent ornamental sculpture carved from a block of obsidian sourced from Mexico. This piece, deftly shaped and mirror-polished, captures the dynamic essence of a flame, with its elongated form narrowing progressively from a wide, stable base toward a sharp apex. The curved surfaces meet along clean lines, evoking the changing profile and the intrinsic energy of fire. The material, a deep, intensely black obsidian, is enriched by fine bands and iridescent reflections that emerge with a suggestive silvery or golden luminescence depending on the light angle. These veils and arched lines, visible on the highly polished surface, add depth and character to the piece, highlighting the volcanic nature and the unique composition of this stone. Obsidian is not a mineral in the strict sense, but a natural volcanic glass formed when silica-rich lava cools so rapidly that an ordered crystalline structure cannot form. This geological process gives it a compact, amorphous, and glassy texture, characterized by a conchoidal fracture and edges that can be extremely sharp. Mexico is renowned for its rich obsidian deposits, a material of fundamental historical and cultural importance. For ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs, obsidian held value well beyond its utilitarian use. It was employed for making weapons, tools, ornaments, and ceremonial mirrors. Its black, reflective surface was associated with the night world, prophetic vision, and power, serving as a bridge between the visible and the invisible. The flame-shaped form of this sculpture amplifies the material's intrinsic symbolism: a stone born of Earth's fire that is artistically transformed to represent fire itself, a universal symbol of transformation, purification, and vital strength. This specimen represents a refined decorative element and a noteworthy collectible, ideal for enriching a study, a library, a meditation space, or a contemporary-designed environment. The sculpture is a harmonious dialogue between the mysterious depth of obsidian, the play of light on its surfaces, and the powerful symbolism of the flame, culminating in an elegant, visually striking presence. Any irregularities, fine inclusions, or color variations visible in the obsidian are intrinsic characteristics of its natural formation and not defects, adding authenticity and uniqueness to the piece. Name: Obsidian Flame-Shaped Sculpture Material: Obsidian (Natural Volcanic Glass) Craft: Hand-carved and hand-polished Weight: 2181 g Dimensions: 213 x 130 x 55 mm Origin: Mexico Condition: Excellent, handcrafted carving
Seller's Story
Details
Disclaimer
It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.
It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.
