Carved lapis lazuli tiger figurine

A tiger sculpture made of lapis lazuli, material from Afghanistan. Reclining tiger pose with extended paws, the deep blue lazurite main mass carries white calcite veins and golden pyrite spots like a scattered fur pattern.

Lapis lazuli from the Afghan Sar-e-Sang deposits is one of the oldest documented collector's materials of mankind. It was traded as a pigment and gemstone over 6,000 years ago. The deep blue mineral main component lazurite with white calcite veins and golden pyrite inclusions is characteristic.

The reclining tiger pose follows the classic sculptural tradition for big cat figures. A pronounced desk dimension on a solid base.

The cutting process incorporates the material's grain into the animal's anatomy. The golden pyrite dots appear like the fur pattern of a tiger, a fortunate material property.