Indian Iron Tantric Lingam

A dark red shape sweeps across the grey stone like a brushstroke made in one breath.

This tantric lingam comes from India, in quartz crystal and iron. The lingam is the aniconic form of Shiva, and river-polished stones have generally been honored as natural, self-made lingams rather than carved ones. This one is a smooth, glossy ovoid. On one side, maroon and cream areas meet in irregular bands, with a thin streak of orange running through them. On the other, a broad maroon mark crosses a silvery grey ground in a shape like a bold calligraphic stroke. The polish is high and even. It is 9.5 inches high and 6.75 in diameter.

Every side has something new to say.