About this piece
back to topA pair of large reclaimed malachite and black marble obelisks. This pair of matching neoclassical style obelisks are suitable for any interior, making a striking statement either side of a mantlepiece or positioned on pedestals between a doorway.
Dating to the mid 20th century, these obelisks are representative of the tapered pillars originally built in pairs at the entrances of ancient Egyptian temples.
A highly famous obelisk, Cleopatra’s Needle, is mounted on a plinth and flanked by two sculpted Sphinxes on the Thames Embankment, London.
Made in Egypt for the Pharaoh Thotmes III in 1460 BC, the obelisk is known as Cleopatra’s Needle as it was brought to London from Alexandria, the royal city of Cleopatra.
Today, people from all over the world visit to basque in its beauty. This pair of obelisks are an ode to this Egyptian masterpiece and all others that once stood proudly at the gates of ancient temples.
Malachite
The cut and polished malachite displays a rich green colour and swirling veining, emphasised by the dark black marble.
First discovered over 4000 years ago, malachite has been adored for its colour and beauty since ancient times. While a popular item for jewels and amulets, the mineral was often ground down and the pigment used as a luscious green paint for architecture or even a vivid green eyeshadow!
Black marble stone is often quarried in Morocco, containing an abundance of various fossils.
Additional information
The overall weight is for the pair. Each obelisk weighs 9.5kg.
