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Lot 8266

Smoky Quartz Carving of a Mouse on a Toadstool

4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los Angeles

Sold for US$18,800 inc. premium

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Smoky Quartz Carving of a Mouse on a Toadstool

By Gerd Dreher
Idar-Oberstein, Germany

A virtuoso sculpture and truly a masterpiece of the lapidary arts. An autumnal scene is evoked through the use of highly-transparent Brazilian smoky quartz in this carving of a mouse on an upturned toadstool. The material is actually bi-colored, smoky-colorless quartz providing a contrast between the mouse and the mushroom. Happily modern diamond tipped implements resembling dentist tools are now available to Dreher which make the highly detailed work in this carving possible. The top of the mushroom is smooth polished and lustrous, its underside and stem both bear finely carved striations to resemble spore receptacles. The mouse is realistically rendered with textured fur as he stands triumphantly on his hoard. Signed with monogram GD for Gerd Dreher. Measuring 2 ½ x 4 x 3 ¼ in.

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