Description
Mom cat snuggling with her sweet-faced little kitten. This “section carving” is made of old stock Madagacan material, skillfully carved by an artisan in China. It consists mostly quartz with bands of green throughout. This carving was made sometime before 2005.
Dimensions: 4.8″ long x 3.2″ tall x 3.15″ thick
Weight: 1.36 lbs
“Section Carving” is a complex and difficult art to master. Defined as carving both the base and the subject from the same stone in one piece, the master carver must know not only carving techniques, but also the intricacies of the stone. Some inclusions or fault may not be visible until the carving is underway. The carver must then be prepared to alter the design immediately. Usually a sketch is drawn before the carving is begun, with alternate drawings to refer to should unexpected weak spots appear. While it takes eight to ten years to become a master carver, another three years or more are required to become proficient in section carving
Ocean Jasper is a trademarked name fo a rare, colorful, wildly loved orbicular chalcedony (a microcrystalline variety of quartz occurring in several different forms, including onyx, agate, and jasper, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7). It is found in only one place in the world, the Analalava district of the Sofia region in the former province of Mahajanga in northwestern Madagascar. Although all Ocean Jasper comes from one area in Madagascar, there are actually two different locations, about 10 miles apart, one near the village of Marovato on the coast and one further inland, near the village of Kabamby. As of 2022, a total of 8 veins have been found and all, CRY!, have now been completely mined out.
The variations of Ocean Jasper are incredible and include vibrant shades of green, pink, red, black, brown, orange, yellow, and white. Its patterns are wild with orbs, wavy lines, banding with scalloped edges, and multi colored florets. It also often forms cavities filled with sparkling drusy quartz crystals. Ocean Jasper is known as a stone of joy and high spirits, but at the same time can be calming and soothing.
