⚖️ Weight: 1.5kgs
📏 Size: 19.8cm x 99cm x 5cm
🌎 Source: Afghanistan
💚 Afghan Jade: The Stone of Harmony & Prosperity
🤍 Heart Chakra
This incredible Afghan Jade Chameleon is another carving from a talented female carver whose work we have purchased many times before. We have collected a number of different carvings from her over the years, and it is the extraordinary attention to detail in her work that continues to draw us back.
This piece is a beautiful example of exactly why.
The chameleon has been carved sitting amongst a bed of leaves, with its body raised as though it is climbing through the foliage. From the individually carved scales covering its body to the tiny feet gripping the leaves, curled tail, pronounced ridge along its back and detailed facial features, there is something to discover from every angle.
And then there are those eyes.
The vibrant blue eyes are such a fantastic addition, standing out dramatically against the natural olive, green and earthy colouring of the Afghan Jade. They immediately draw your attention to the face and give the chameleon an almost lifelike expression.
Afghan Jade is a trade name commonly used for green ornamental stone from Afghanistan, often belonging to the serpentine group rather than true mineralogical jade. Its naturally varied greens, darker areas and softer earthy tones work particularly well in detailed carving, and here the carver has used those variations beautifully throughout the chameleon, foliage and layered base.
The chameleon itself carries wonderful symbolism. Known for its remarkable ability to adapt to its surroundings, it has become associated with adaptability, patience, observation and knowing when to change rather than resisting it. There is also something particularly fitting about seeing a chameleon carved from a stone filled with its own natural changes in colour and pattern.
This is a substantial collector carving where the craftsmanship really deserves to be appreciated up close. From the sweeping leaves forming the base to the smallest scales across its body, the level of work is exceptional, while those brilliant blue eyes provide the perfect finishing touch.
A very special piece from a carver whose work Niome and I are always excited to find again.
