Inspired objects meet inspired living at The Residences at Sheraton Mactan Cebu this Saturday, July 15, 2023 in collaboration with Java Pavilion, Cebu-based curator of objets d’art, antiques and luxury home furnishings.
The exhibit will present a diverse range of products including fossilized stone, antique wood, vintage artefacts and modern works of art that will elevate your home style. It will showcase art from sleek minimalist pieces to bold and vibrant creations presented in a variety of styles and techniques that will leave you inspired.
Java Pavilion will showcase curated pieces of centuries old rock fossils known as petrified wood and crystallized volcanic rock, popularly referred to as obsidian. They are the centerpieces of the Exhibit while vintage driftwood, blackened lychee wood and carved teakwood will also be mainstays.
Obsidian
Obsidian is a rare volcanic crystal formed by the solidification of hot molten magma in ancient lakes and cold environments. This precious artefact is valued in human history because of its various uses.
It has been used since the Stone Age as a weapon, a cutting tool and a stone of special properties. In the recent television series, “Game of Thrones,” obsidian was known as Dragonglass and referred to as frozen fire, the only known weakness of the White Walkers.
The Children of the Forest shaped it into daggers and arrowheads.
In some circles, obsidian is believed to have metaphysical properties. Legend has it that the mystic crystal ball used by gypsies to tell one’s fortune was a round obsidian. Obsidian is also known as a Crystal of Protection and Gemstone of Prosperity. It is believed to absorb negativity and purify energy, thus bestowing peace, harmony, balance and prosperity wherever you place it.
Today, black obsidian is used in surgical tools. But the rare blue, green and golden sheen obsidian sculptures are displayed by connoisseurs as objets d’art that bring beauty, joy and love into their homes.
What is petrified wood?
Petrified wood is a rock fossil known to have been formed millions of years ago when a volcanic eruption buried trees under hot volcanic ash. The process prevented decay and oxygenation, thus, killing microorganisms but preserving the biological structure of the trees. Groundwater rich in silica, calcite, pyrite and other minerals seeped in and replaced the organic material. Over time, the minerals solidified into rock while keeping the shape of the tree—forming what is now called petrified wood.
How old is petrified wood from Indonesia?
According to www.naturalhistorycuriosities.com, Indonesian petrified wood originated from the Miocene Period which roughly places it between 20 to 25 million years of age.
Why is petrified wood multi-colored?
Different minerals in petrified wood cause the colors to vary. Here are the colors associated with the minerals:
Black - Carbon
Red/Brown - Iron Oxides
White/Grey - Silicon Dioxide
Pink - Manganese
Blue - Cobalt
Green - Copper
The residences at Sheraton Mactan is located along Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City which is fast becoming known as Cebu’s Billionaires’ Row. Punta Engaño is currently home to five-star hotels and luxury condominiums including The Sheraton, Shangri-La Mactan and Dusit Thani. Also rising in Punta Engaño are two highly respected and well-loved Filipino brands namely, Abaca Resort Mactan by Cebu Landmasters Inc. and Aruga Resort and Residences by Rockwell Land Inc.