The Soul of Yangtze

This subject was created using specific stones to best realize such a unique piece of Commesso Fiorentino. The artist chose to use the highest-quality Larimar to best reproduce the intensity of the blue, eliminating any green hues or black spots. It's important to note that each piece is composed of a single slice, joined to another slice only at the narrowest points. This careful selection is the result of cutting approximately 200 kg of semi-rough material, previously selected for size and purity. 

When using Labradorite, it's essential to seek out the rarest and most valuable multicolored qualities. It's important to avoid losing the labradorescence refraction when cutting and carefully study the point of light that will illuminate the work, to make this marvelous stone shine. 

The choice to use Rhodochrosite of different qualities and cut at different angles is due to the possibility of exploiting the natural movement of its formation. Oxidation of manganese deposits in hydrothermal veins. We took advantage of the stalactite's circular shape to create the scales. For the head, we chose a unique, high-value piece with a deep, almost crystallized red color.

An ancient Chinese legend tells of a courageous and persevering carp that managed to ascend the waterfall located at the Dragon Gate along the Yangtze River, overcoming obstacles and evil spirits. The gods, impressed by such courage, transformed it into a great dragon. In dragon form, the carp acquires the gift of immortality and has become the symbol of those who aspire to great deeds and are unafraid to face life's adversities. This initiatory journey symbolizes the journey of the human being himself, who, by developing perseverance and perseverance, can emerge from the depths of life and become erudite and self-aware, a superior being.

Carps are traditionally considered lucky charms, and their image is often used in greetings. Their celebrated longevity makes them a symbol of long life. In Japan, there are stories of carp that lived to be over 100 years old, and a legendary koi champion is said to have lived to be over 200. Furthermore, they grow very rapidly: ranging in length from 30 to 60 centimeters, they can occasionally reach over a meter in length. They are very strong and energetic fish, hence their numerous symbolic attributes. They are often depicted on the roofs of houses because their image protects against fires.

The carp is also the mount and messenger of the Immortals, who use it to ascend to the heavens and find messages and seals in its belly. Koi were developed from the common carp in ancient China during the Jin Dynasty. The common carp was introduced to Japan via China in the 15th century. It was in Japan that the production of carp with different colors began. According to one historical hypothesis, the first breeders were rice farmers who, noticing that the variety of colors of carp was even more colorful and beautiful than that of birds, began breeding them. 

In Eastern artistic interpretations, the carp takes on multiple meanings, mostly tied to the concepts of perseverance and fidelity. We often find this fish depicted as a "steed" or messenger of the deities, always on the move. Much symbolism stems from its extreme longevity (carp have even been estimated to have an average lifespan of over 40 years) and its enormous strength.

The pink carp, often associated with the red carp or delicate shades in tradition, carries profound meanings related to emotion, love, and inner strength of spirit in facing life with passion, resilience, and love.

The pink carp therefore represents the path of personal growth, transformation, and perseverance that leads to success.

Used stones: Larimar, Labradorite, Rhodocrosite, Turquoise.

Year of composition: 2026

Size: cm 35x46

Artist: Leonardo Scarpelli

An original and authentic hand-made artwork created whith the antique technique of Commesso Fiorentino which is unique for Florence.

Commesso Fiorentino was born with Medici family, one of the most important families in Florence, in the second half of 1500.

The research of the stones is made by the mosaicist that must be able to choose from a rich and wide range of shades and veins: for this reason the artists personally search and collect the stones retracing the paths of the Medici researchers.

The processing starts by drawing the subject on adhesive paper, that is then cut into small tamplates that will be attached to the variegated shades of the stones following the visual instinct, the innate gift of the artist and his perfect knowledge of the materials. The shape of the little piece will be cut by hand with a chestnut, cherry or hazelnut wood bow and an iron wire that flows with abrasive powder and water. It creates a very precise and inclined cut to form the essential spaces to accommodate the glue, made by artisans with beeswax and pine tree resin. The different stones are previously glued onto a slate surface which acts as a support during the cutting and filing phase. The various pieces which form the composition are adjusted in shape with diamond files, glued together so that the joints are invisible, flattened and finally polished in order to create a perfect decorative harmony showing the colors of nature in all their radiance.