Carved Gemstone Figure of a Russian Balalaika Player
By Paul Dreher
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
There could be few subjects more Russian than that of the Balalaika player. A variety of carved ornamental gemstones have been utilized in the present depiction. His shirt is carved of black, patterned "Picasso" jasper, the trousers of lapis lazuli, the shoes of red South African jasper. The face, hands and stockings are carved from translucent beige chalcedony. His belt is a rope twist tassel of 18K yellow gold, as are the lacings on his shoes. The body of the balalaika is gold vermeil, the frets of silver and the strings of yellow gold. The figure sits upon a bench carved of Russian petrified wood. Height 5in
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
There could be few subjects more Russian than that of the Balalaika player. A variety of carved ornamental gemstones have been utilized in the present depiction. His shirt is carved of black, patterned "Picasso" jasper, the trousers of lapis lazuli, the shoes of red South African jasper. The face, hands and stockings are carved from translucent beige chalcedony. His belt is a rope twist tassel of 18K yellow gold, as are the lacings on his shoes. The body of the balalaika is gold vermeil, the frets of silver and the strings of yellow gold. The figure sits upon a bench carved of Russian petrified wood. Height 5in
Sold for
US$ 20,000
inc. premium
Category: Natural History
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Claudia Florian
Bonhams
Work
7601 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles,
90046
United States
WorkTel:
+1 323 436 5437
FaxFax: +1 323 850 5843
Auction Administration
-
Natural History