Oceania, Australia, Andanooka, Cretaceous Period, ca. 110 million years ago. A stunning opal within a stone matrix that is cut into a large brick shape. The opal is untreated and characteristically white and milky, a trait of Andanooka opals. This opal develops within the cavities of hard rock and are nicknamed "Painted Ladies." Indeed, the opal appears streaked across the surface of the matrix like a broad brushstroke of blue and purple iridescence. This piece was excavated in the late 20th century at Steven Gully in Andanooka, South Australia. The area is known for its opal mines that gave the area a wild west or gold rush mentality in the early to mid-20th century. The most famous Andanooka opal, known as the "Queen's Opal," was presented to Queen Elizabeth II on her state trip to Australia. Size: 6.25" L x 4.5" W x 2.5" H (15.9 cm x 11.4 cm x 6.4 cm)
Provenance: ex-Anchorage, Alaska, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#166745
Condition
Professionally prepared and cut. Felt pads added to base for stability. Find site and history written on verso surface. Large size and nice color play.