Kachina Fireplace Mantel Hand-Carved Stone & Gemstones 750 Pound Sculpture Turquoise-Ivory-Coral-Malachite-Jet Start Price USD 285,000.00 Current Price USD 285,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, November 17, 2008 End Time Tuesday, November 25, 2008 Location Richardson, TX See more about 'Kachina Fireplace Mantel Hand-Carved Stone & Gemstones' Description   Kachina Fireplace     In 1988, a vision of Kachina spirits coming out of the material of a fireplace mantle set a dream in motion. Fascinated by the imagery of the dream, William "Bill" Shotts accepted the commission in 1990 and set about bringing the kachinas out in a limestone called leuterstone. Gentle to work, yet strong for images, the leuterstone proved to be perfect for capturing the spirit images of the dream. The initial carving took almost five months to complete, but one by one the kachinas allowed their images to be brought out of the cool gray stone.     Next came the addition of defining elements like painted color, inlaid material, and functional components. Semi-previous materials including pearl, coconut shell, malachite, amber, geode, jet, as well as ivory and tortoise shell (both recovered from antique jewelry and recycled for this use). In all, 48 kachinas emerge from the stone. Some of them wear necklaces, which include jaclas. Petroglyphs run along the insides of the vertical pieces. Of special note are figures that use triple inlay and curved inlay, techniques rarely seen or utilized since the Renaissance.     The Sun and Moon shield symbol in the center of the mantel face opens to reveal the twin war gods inside the Turquoise Room. Hanging there are four ears of corn in different colors made of amber and recovered ivory. Recreated on the reverse of the sun/moon panels are the ancient Kiva paintings of the Anazasi, symbolizing the Sun and a Hopi warrior.     Other functional pieces include Pooloolookong the serpent, which is lit from below by a low wattage bulb. Above him a bit is a kachina that turns to unlock and remove to reveal a cavity for the fireplace's gas valve key. The fireplace weighs approximately 750 pounds, and required about 8 months to complete. The work is appropriately signed and dated by the Master Craftsman.    William "Bill" C. Shotts Master Carver, Sculptor, Artist     William Chan "Bill" Shotts is an Oklahoma-born artist whose sculpture, carving and other works delight collectors and art lovers across the globe. He is recognized as a master carver of Japanese netsuke, and his incredible sculpting has influenced generations of new artists. His European and American Indian heritage have both played into his work, with scrimshaw carving and kachina figures being a focus of his skilled hands and amazing vision. Shotts has also produced a body of work in charcoal, graphite, paintings in varied media,  and sculpture in subjects as diverse as historical portraits, African wildlife and Fantasy art.     Of particular note is Shotts' superior accuracy of image and detailed craftsmanship. His work employs a great deal of historical study, for example, whaling ships that are accurate and precise down to their rigging, or portraitures based on Civil War-era daguerrotype photography. His work often includes semi-precious stones, vegetable ivory, pear wood and other exotic materials, but these materials are always incorporated in a seamless way that makes them belong to the whole of the piece.     Shotts' works are in private and public collections world-wide, and his work has been exhibited at state, national and international showings. Bill Shotts is truly a national treasure, and owning his work is a true joy to the soul.  Available for Acquisition     The Kachina Fireplace is a singular masterpiece of design and materials becoming functional art. Only serious inquiries, please.  We do not give tours of the home to exhibit the fireplace to the public due to security and privacy concerns.  Interested parties may schedule personal review with suitable arrangements.     Due to the special nature of this incredible piece, it is offered for pick-up only by appropriate bonded professional services as best meets the new owner's needs. Place a Bid!