An antique Wunderkammer Naturlia mineral specimen over carved wood base: a druze of Vanadinite and native copper crystals, Italy 1880.

Italy circa 1880.

The Minerals: Vanadinite and Native Copper. The visual and structural association within these specimens is highly intriguing.The Orange-Brown Prismatic Crystals (Vanadinite): These perfect hexagonal crystals, with coloration ranging from golden brown to reddish-orange, are characteristic of vanadinite.The habit/form: Notable are the short, well-defined hexagonal prismatic crystals with flat, lustrous faces, which create a sharp geometric contrast against the rugged, rocky base. The green, branching matrix: The encrusting, micro-branched blue-green structure providing a stark contrast to the orange crystals is composed of native copper.The Base: “Medici” Chalice Vase .These specimens are mounted on a pedestal shaped like fluted vase or cup (reminiscent of the style of the famous Medici Vases). Crafted from carved wood, it feature rich gilding and a dark, faux-bronze or burnished “mecca” (silver-gilt) lacquer. Italy circa 1880.

7” – 18 CM H 4” – 10 CM L 4” – 10 CM D

REF V1503