Lot 260
**First Time At Auction**
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Miocene era, ca. 23 to 5 million years ago. A captivating trio of Indonesian petrified wood slabs, each revealing the silent transformation of ancient forests into stone over millions of years. Cut and polished to expose their interiors, these cross sections display deep black tonalities interrupted by pale mineral veining, like lightning frozen within the body of the wood. Each slab preserves the original organic structure of the tree, with growth rings, cellular patterns, and fissures rendered in mineral form. The specimen on the right presents a dramatic radial pattern, its lines spreading outward from a central core like the spokes of a wheel, while the irregularly contoured slab at left retains a more rugged edge, echoing the natural perimeter of the original trunk. The upper piece offers a contrasting composition, where cloudy inclusions and branching veins drift across the surface, suggesting both decay and renewal in mineralized form. Size: 12" L x 1.1" W x 8.9" H (30.5 cm x 2.8 cm x 22.6 cm)
Petrified wood forms when buried timber is gradually replaced by silica-rich minerals, often quartz, preserving microscopic detail while transforming the material into stone. Indonesia is known for producing striking examples, particularly those with dark coloration caused by carbon and mineral impurities, giving these pieces their rich, almost lacquered appearance. Both scientific specimen and decorative object, these slabs occupy a space between geology and art. Their surfaces invite close study, where one may trace the passage of time not in years, but in epochs, each line and fracture a record of pressure, mineral flow, and the long patience of the earth.
Provenance: private West Covina, California, USA collection
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#200821
- Condition: Professionally cut and polished. Minor surface wear with a few visible chips and possible repairs. Otherwise, all have excellent presentations with lustrous surfaces.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |