โ๏ธ Weight: 2.1kgsย
๐ Size: 20.5cm x 9cm x 13.2cmย
๐ Source: Mexico
๐ฎ Gold Sheen Obsidian: Radiant Sun Within
๐๐ Solar Plexus & Heart Chakras
There are some carvings we choose because the stone is beautiful, some because the workmanship immediately catches our eye, and then occasionally we find one that becomes connected to a memory. This incredible Gold Sheen Obsidian Monkey was one of those pieces.
The carving itself is exceptional. Sitting upon a beautifully textured log, the monkey has been carved with remarkable detail through the face, hands, feet and individual lines of its fur. Cradled carefully within its arms is a beautifully polished peach, creating a striking contrast against the intricate texture of the monkey.
Peaches hold an important place within Chinese symbolism and mythology, where they have long been associated with longevity and immortality. The connection becomes particularly interesting alongside the monkey, with peaches appearing throughout stories surrounding Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King.
The choice of Gold Sheen Obsidian makes this carving even more striking. Formed from rapidly cooled volcanic lava, Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass. Within Gold Sheen Obsidian, microscopic structures created during its formation interact with light to produce its characteristic golden sheen. This particular carving displays an incredible flash, especially across the polished peach held within the monkey's hands, shifting from deep black to brilliant metallic gold as the light moves across its surface.
For Niome and I, however, this piece immediately brought back something much more personal.
Before we began our crystal hunting in China, we were lucky enough to spend a day with our close friend exploring Mount Huaguoshan, or the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, the highest mountain in Jiangsu Province and famously associated with Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
For anyone who grew up watching Monkey Magic, you can probably imagine what happened next. The memories came flooding back, the child within completely took over, and for a day we simply explored and enjoyed where we were before the work began the following morning.
So when we later came across this monkey, with its extraordinary carving, incredible Gold Sheen Obsidian and that beautiful golden peach held carefully in its hands, there really wasn't much discussion required. It was coming home with us.
A wonderful collector carving in its own right, but for us, one that will always carry a little piece of our China adventure with it.
