Lion and Elephant Hunting Scene in Tiger's Eye

A 13-inch narrative sculpture hand-carved from tiger's eye, the golden-brown quartz whose silky internal fibers catch and move light across the surface as you shift position: an effect known as chatoyancy.

The scene shows a lion in mid-attack on an elephant, with a second figure worked into the composition on a rugged rocky base. It is carved fully in the round: undercut legs, separated tusks and trunk, a deeply worked mane, and open negative space beneath the animals. Compositions with this many free-standing elements are among the most demanding pieces a gemstone atelier will attempt.

A collector-level display piece for a study, a trophy room, a gallery shelf or a corporate lobby, and a striking counterpoint to wood and leather interiors.

One of a kind. Height: 11 inches. Width: 13 inches.

Hand-carved in India from natural tiger's eye and polished by hand. Every block of stone is different, so color, banding and markings will vary slightly from the photographs.

From the Journal: Why no two stones are alike, Meet the stones, How to care for your gemstone sculpture.