- 3105
A FOSSIL WOOD PANEL ARIZONA, U.S.A., TRIASSIC (CIRCA 220 MILLION YEARS) |
Estimate
80,000 - 100,000 HKD
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Description
- petrified wood
- 40.3 by 130 cm, 15 7/8 by 51 1/8 in.
the substantial rectangular panel with irregularly chamfered ends, attractively petrified and polished to reveal a rainbow of colours
Condition
The fossil panel is well preserved with cut edges where it has been shaped, the front is polished to a smooth surface as mentioned in the catalogue. Additional photos available on request.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The mere formation and survival of the present fossil wood panel is an extraordinary natural concurrence of circumstances from the prehistoric period. Such colourful abstract panels were formed from gigantic tree trunks that were torn down and collapsed into the water streams as a result of strong winds or cataclysmic volcanic eruptions. Whilst some of such trunks would have decayed naturally, a portion of these were gradually mineralised after sedimentation as the current panel. As sedimentary alluvial deposits accumulated, water gradually replaced the wood particles with minerals whilst maintaining the original structure of the wood. It generally takes less than one hundred years for the wood to be petrified. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is quite rare and must absolutely precede any sign of decomposition which would hinder the permineralisation process, a true legacy to Humanity.