From the Jurassic (circa 150 million years ago), the two attractive specimen of Seirocrinus subangularis in a very good state of preservation, the stem affixed to the flotsam and rising in undulating curves to an impressive 13-inch and 8-inch crown respectively, each with pyrite crystals (maximum 1 1/2-inches long each) retaining shiny surface to to the base and crown of each specimen, prepped on rectangular-cut slate matrix supported on metal frame.
51 x 35³⁄₄ x 2¹⁄₂in. (129.5 x 91 x 6.5cm.)

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
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Lot Essay

Sea lilies, also known as Crinoids or feather stars, are fine examples of living fossils. They belong to the phylum Echinodermata, and are distantly related to the starfish, brittle star and sea urchin. Filter feeders, with crowns of pinnules that trap microscopic particles on which to feed, they sway back and forth on the ocean floor. Their fossil remains are found all over the world, but most beautiful and best preserved examples are those from the Posidonia shale beds of Holzmaden in southern Germany. The strong dark colour of the shale matrix serves as a beautiful background to the delicate serpentine neck of the fossil, highlighted by the subtle shimmer of pyritisation. The matrix itself has been prepared, to better the contrast with the superb three-dimensional detail of the fossil itself which stands out in high relief.