The hardstone miniature “Ice Hockey Players” is a witty genre composition depicting two anthropomorphic owls engaged in an animated struggle for the puck. Their figures lean towards one another, while the crossed hockey sticks and lively poses convey a convincing sense of movement and the immediacy of the sporting encounter.
The figures are carved from chalcedony, whose natural texture effectively evokes the birds’ plumage. The eyes are fashioned from cacholong, the headwear and costume details from jasper and lapis lazuli, and the puck from labradorite. The composition is further embellished with metal hockey sticks, skates and decorative elements.
The figures are set upon an oval slab of banded agate, whose natural pattern evokes the surface of ice, above a substantial base of polished green jasper. The combination of different hardstones, with their natural colours and contrasting textures, lends the miniature its distinctive decorative quality and expressive character.
Material: Chalcedony, cacholong, jasper, lapis lazuli, labradorite, agate, metal.
Dimensions: Height 15 cm; width 13 cm; depth 8 cm.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
