Description
The smoky obsidian pendant, a translucent stone plaque carved with the likeness of a protector, Guan Gong, a historical general turned one of the most venerated deities of Chinese culture, carved into a smoky brown obsidian that lets light filter through behind every detail of the armour. Suspended on a bead cord, closed with its black bead engraved with gold characters. Handmade with natural stones, it’s the one you wear the way you’d carry a guardian.
Guan Gong (关公), also known as Guan Yu, was a 3rd-century general whose loyalty, courage and sense of justice carried through the centuries until he became a deified figure in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. He’s depicted helmeted, in armour, holding his signature blade, an instantly recognisable iconography, present in countless temples and homes across Asia. He’s venerated as a protector against danger, a guardian of loyalty, and, in business, as a figure associated with honest prosperity.
This figure is carved here in smoky obsidian, a translucent grey-brown variety, lighter and less dense than classic black obsidian. Held up to light, the stone reveals the sculpture’s relief by transparency, the folds of the armour, the beard, the sword take shape as shadows within the material itself, an effect impossible to achieve on an opaque stone.
The pendant hangs on a bead cord, closed with an engraved black bead bearing gold characters meaning “good fortune” (吉祥), a traditional detail that often accompanies this kind of piece, like a wish attached to the jewel itself.
In crystal healing, obsidian is known for its protective virtues, a direct echo of Guan Gong, a protector god in his tradition of origin. The two answer each other without needing to force the connection. To learn everything about obsidian, discover my complete guide to obsidian or all the varieties of obsidian.
- 100 % natural smoky obsidian, translucent grey-brown
- Guan Gong carved in relief, a protective figure of Chinese tradition
- Handmade in my workshop, in France, one of a kind
- Bead cord with black bead engraved “good fortune” (吉祥)
The jewel from every angle
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Specifications
- Stone type
- Smoky obsidian
- Colour
- Translucent grey-brown
- Pendant
- Carved Guan Gong plaque, 45-55 mm / 1 3/4-2 1/8 in
- Closing bead
- Black bead engraved “吉祥” (good fortune), gold
- Setting
- Bead cord, sliding knot
- Length
- 55-65 cm / 21 5/8-25 5/8 in, adjustable
- Gender
- Women and men
- Brand
- Bijoux Obsidienne
Handcrafted by Camille
Every pendant is assembled by hand in my workshop, in France. Carving Guan Gong demands particular attention to light: I select stones for their translucency, checking against backlight that the relief, the helmet, the beard, the scales of the armour, stays legible once the stone is suspended, not only on the workbench.
I’m careful to respect this figure’s traditional iconography rather than simplifying it: every detail of the armour and sword is reproduced faithfully. Discover the story of the workshop, or my whole collection of obsidian pendants.
“A protective figure carved into a protective stone isn’t a commercial coincidence. It’s what made me want to offer it.”, Camille
Care: a soft cloth is all it takes; avoid salt, knocks and prolonged water, and take it off before showering or exercising, the carved relief is more sensitive to impact than a smooth surface. All my tips are in the cleaning guide.
