Similar to lots 28 and 38. There is no other meteorite that looks like Dronino and the crenulated texture of this minimalist tabletop form is among the very best examples.

The first Dronino was discovered by a mushroom hunter in Russia in 2000. While the vast majority of iron meteorites are members of established groups, 10% have no compositional (chemical) relationship to anything previously known and Dronino is one of these exotic ungrouped irons. The implication of this unique chemical signature is that Dronino originated from a previously unknown protoplanet (an asteroid with an iron core, mantle and crust) which no longer exists. In terms of its terrestrial history, Dronino meteorites were recovered approximately 20 kilometers from an ancient town founded in 1152. As nothing was ever written about the memorable visual and sonic phenomena associated with a meteorite shower, it can be inferred that Dronino‘s arrival occurred when the area was unpopulated. Given the extent of terrestrial sculpting, a descent to Earth more than a millennium ago can be confidently inferred. The surface is sheathed in a platinum-hued patina — the result of a centuries-long interaction of this meteorite’s unique chemical composition with Earth’s soil and groundwater.

Harmonious in form, yet exotic; tension derives from an organic shape draped in a complex, unfamiliar texture. The upward thrusting form emerges from a cut surface which, when exposed, reveals the signature inclusions of a Dronino meteorite (see previous lot). Hewn by both terrestrial and extraterrestrial forces, this singular modern sculptural form — a sample of an asteroid between Mars and Jupiter that no longer exists — is a stunning showpiece of an exquisite meteorite.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.

219 x 227 x 103mm (8.66 x 9 x 4 in.) and 18.365 kg (40.5 lbs)