PRODUCT INFORMATION
General Description
Leopard Stone: A Unique Serpentine from Nyanga, Eastern Zimbabwe: Leopard Stone, a distinct serpentine gem, is sourced from a handful of small mines nestled in Nyanga, eastern Zimbabwe. Its name is inspired by the striking black spots that adorn a pale background, creating a captivating visual effect. This remarkable gem is celebrated for its combination of varying green intensities, accentuated by contrasting black patterns, particularly the eye-catching spots. The harmonious blend of colours and distinctive patterns makes Leopard Stone exceptionally attractive and a true geological wonder. Despite its age, this material has a rich history, often used in traditional Shona art carvings. However, the art of polishing it in a classical sense had waned over the years, rendering it a "new" material once again. The meticulous polishing process is skilfully performed by expert Zimbabwean lapidaries, resulting in brand new items that are a perfect fit for any retail space seeking something truly unique and different. Embrace the beauty of Leopard Stone, a gem that has returned to the market, and explore its captivating allure. The items presented are an exciting addition to the world of gemstone treasures, ready to adorn your collection or retail space with their unique charm.Zimbabwe boasts a rich history of stone carving traditions that span many centuries. In recent decades, this unique craft has evolved to primarily focus on creating animal-themed sculptures and other items tailored to the local tourism market. While more contemporary works of art have been developed, they are relatively scarce beyond the country's borders. Regrettably, due to the economic hardships endured over the past two decades, primarily due to governance issues, the transfer of stone working and carving skills to younger generations has suffered. Among the younger population, the concept of carving or "art" as a means of livelihood is not widely embraced. At Toprock, we've taken on the mission of establishing a market for the meticulously hand-carved stone works of art originating from this region. These creations are all painstakingly polished by hand or with straightforward tools, resulting in a distinct aesthetic that may appear simplistic when compared to the precision of modern digital carving systems, such as those found in China. Nevertheless, we remain committed to encouraging a diverse range of items to be crafted, with the hope of preserving these century-old traditions. The carved items encompass an array of subjects, including various animals, pumpkins, mushrooms, dinosaurs of various species, ashtrays, dishes, and an assortment of regional curiosities. By supporting our endeavours, you play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of Zimbabwean artists and keeping their traditions alive. The materials most commonly used for these carvings include Lepidolite, Verdite, Leopard Stone, Butter Jade, and other soapstone's. Pricing depends on the grade, and the items are showcased as depicted. Explore the world of Zimbabwean stone carving artistry and contribute to the preservation of this unique heritage.
Price is grade dependant. Items are as show.
Product Data
Locality = ZimbabweGrade = Very Good to A Grade
Size = 180 - 180 mm | 7.1 - 7.1 inch
Net Weight = 1.5 Kg | 3.2 Lbs
Product Type = Small Batch
Weight = 1.46 kg
SKU =
A135951LION*
Currently 1 in stock.
Please Note: The product title specifies the exact number of pieces included for the listed product price e.g. x 12, x 1, x 35 etc. The vast majority of our products are individually graded batches or single pieces which are priced accordingly. Therefore, if we state “Currently 1 in stock” this means we have 1 batch and/or 1 piece available as per the number of pieces indicated in the product title.
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PRODUCT INFORMATION
General Description
Leopard Stone: A Unique Serpentine from Nyanga, Eastern Zimbabwe: Leopard Stone, a distinct serpentine gem, is sourced from a handful of small mines nestled in Nyanga, eastern Zimbabwe. Its name is inspired by the striking black spots that adorn a pale background, creating a captivating visual effect. This remarkable gem is celebrated for its combination of varying green intensities, accentuated by contrasting black patterns, particularly the eye-catching spots. The harmonious blend of colours and distinctive patterns makes Leopard Stone exceptionally attractive and a true geological wonder. Despite its age, this material has a rich history, often used in traditional Shona art carvings. However, the art of polishing it in a classical sense had waned over the years, rendering it a "new" material once again. The meticulous polishing process is skilfully performed by expert Zimbabwean lapidaries, resulting in brand new items that are a perfect fit for any retail space seeking something truly unique and different. Embrace the beauty of Leopard Stone, a gem that has returned to the market, and explore its captivating allure. The items presented are an exciting addition to the world of gemstone treasures, ready to adorn your collection or retail space with their unique charm.Zimbabwe boasts a rich history of stone carving traditions that span many centuries. In recent decades, this unique craft has evolved to primarily focus on creating animal-themed sculptures and other items tailored to the local tourism market. While more contemporary works of art have been developed, they are relatively scarce beyond the country's borders. Regrettably, due to the economic hardships endured over the past two decades, primarily due to governance issues, the transfer of stone working and carving skills to younger generations has suffered. Among the younger population, the concept of carving or "art" as a means of livelihood is not widely embraced. At Toprock, we've taken on the mission of establishing a market for the meticulously hand-carved stone works of art originating from this region. These creations are all painstakingly polished by hand or with straightforward tools, resulting in a distinct aesthetic that may appear simplistic when compared to the precision of modern digital carving systems, such as those found in China. Nevertheless, we remain committed to encouraging a diverse range of items to be crafted, with the hope of preserving these century-old traditions. The carved items encompass an array of subjects, including various animals, pumpkins, mushrooms, dinosaurs of various species, ashtrays, dishes, and an assortment of regional curiosities. By supporting our endeavours, you play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of Zimbabwean artists and keeping their traditions alive. The materials most commonly used for these carvings include Lepidolite, Verdite, Leopard Stone, Butter Jade, and other soapstone's. Pricing depends on the grade, and the items are showcased as depicted. Explore the world of Zimbabwean stone carving artistry and contribute to the preservation of this unique heritage.
Price is grade dependant. Items are as show.
Product Data
Locality = ZimbabweGrade = Very Good to A Grade
Size = 180 - 180 mm | 7.1 - 7.1 inch
Net Weight = 1.5 Kg | 3.2 Lbs
Product Type = Small Batch