Jade Pi at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
I’ve spent much time over the years visiting a close friend in Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb about 16 miles west of downtown Chicago. But until last month, neither of us had ever been to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, an under-the-radar gem — really.
So What is Lapidary Art?
I had no idea what it was until I found a listing for the museum on the City of Elmhurst’s website. Lapidary is the art of cutting and polishing stone. The museum’s founder, Joseph F. Lizzadro, Sr., started a hobby in lapidary back in the 1930s and through acquisitions grew a world class collection. His museum opened in 1962 for this stated purpose: “To share with others our enjoyment of the eternal beauty in gemstones and our appreciation of the art with which man has complemented the works of nature.”
In the Rough: Angel Wing Calcite
Rough gems, jade carvings, polished stones, stone mosaics, dioramas of animals carved from gem materials — these are some of the diverse rock and mineral exhibits you’ll find on display. Here are a few of my favorites from the collection.
Jade Carvings
Blue Jadeite Pagoda Censer
Pure jade is white, but other minerals give it many different colors. This elaborate jadeite carving was made between 1736 and 1795 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and was probably used to burn incense in the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Although the jadeite came from Burma, it was carved in China.
Jadeite Candle Holders
Ruyi
Ruyi Scepters
Ruyi are scepters often made of jade, iron, amber, bamboo, wood, and precious metals that were given as gifts to convey wishes for good luck. Ruyi means “as you wish”.
Amber Harvest
Amber Harvest
This Italian statue was carved from a single piece of amber, fossilized tree resin, and shows a family rejoicing after a good harvest.
Cut Gemstones
Cut Gemstones
Imperial Screen
Imperial Screen
Scenes on this Chinese screen are set is jade, amethyst, tiger-eye, rose quartz, mother-of-pearl, ivory and other gemstones. It was originally given to Emperor Qianlong in 1791, but was brought to San Francisco in 1930 for the World’s Fair and later purchased by Joseph Lizzadro.
The museum isn’t only a treasure chest for rockhounds and amateur geologists, but anyone who appreciates the aesthetics of art created from nature.
If you go: The museum is about a 10 minute walk from the Elmhurst Metra Station. From downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center, it is a 30 minute train ride to Elmhurst. Parking is also available. The museum is open 10:00 – 5:00 Tuesday through Sunday. Adult admission is $4.00, free on Fridays.
For more information: Lizzadro Musuem of Lapidary Art
Citrine Gemstone
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I love stones so would definitely be interested in this museum! Beautiful pieces.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Picturesque Costa Brava
I remember how we would collect pretty stones while traveling when I was a kid. Still love them now.
Wow! Those gemstones are really wonderful. I wish I could have a jewellery with these kind of stones.
Susanne recently posted..Mein kleiner Sohn ist leider krank geworden
Seems now they have a museum for almost everything.
Marlys recently posted..Don’t Mention The Siege
I’ve been thinking the same thing, Marlys. I think I’ll start my own museum, too.
What a beautiful find, Cathy! I’d never have guessed such a museum exists.
insideJourneys recently posted..5 Things to do in Montego Bay
I love surprises like this!
What a great museum…I love art from natural stone…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Palmer Legacy Course at Reunion Resort
Amazing what people can do with stones and other natural materials. I really admire this kind of work.
What a wonderul find of a museum! I love these kinds of unique museums and who doesn’t love shiny stuff? I absolutely adore that amber Italian statue and just WOW on those gemstones. I feel like I need to bring some sunglasses just to visit.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Photo Post: Where have you taken a nap while traveling?
You know, I think the gemstones might have been my favorites — I actually took a lot of photos of them.
Wow!! Never heard of this before. I loved the blue jadeite from China!! Amazing. Actually all of them are stunning works of art!!! Thanks for opening my eyes even wider to this art form!
Jeff Titelius recently posted..A Voyage to Volendam in The Netherlands
Isn’t is amazing the kind of detailed work that went into something like that??
Another gem of a post Cathy. I neevr knew there was such a thing. But wow, that family harvest celebration looks a little umm. unseemly to my eyes! LOL
Jools Stone recently posted..A Day on the Disney Pixar Brave Express
Thanks, Jools. Um, I see what you’re saying about the family harvest piece, but I do believe that it is actually quite G rated.
So beautiful, I love the jade carvings. Emperor Qianlong is one of my favorite leader in Chinese history (he has many stories written about him) . Although if I have those Jade candle holders I probably would glue it somewhere secure so it won’t be knocked off….x_X
Annie – FootTracker recently posted..The Machine that Saved My Life @Japan
So glad that you know of the Emperor & stories written about him. I’ll have to read up on him.
Kali’s younger brother used to really be into crystals, so I think he would get a kick out of this. And those jade carvings! Beautiful art.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Vietnam’s Best-Kept Secret
Kali’s brother would probably like a lot about this museum. Crystals are so beautiful.
I think stones / gems are some of the most beautiful things in nature, and I’m also fascinated the way they are cut for jewelry – a tiny little gemstone can take on so many dimensions when it’s cut. Looks like a very interesting museum!
Mark Wiens recently posted..How to Eat Like a Food Blogger and Stay Slim
Yes, I agree about gemstones. They can have so many beautiful cuts — it’s amazing.
Wow! May be a stupid question…but I have to ask. Are they all real stones worth millions of dollars worth displayed in Lizzadro Museum? Or are they just replicas?
Sunish recently posted..Staterooms on Carnival Liberty
That’s a fair question, Sunish. I don’t know the value of the stones, but to the best of my knowledge, they are all real stones.
This is so beautiful, Catherine….I’ve never understood the fascination with gems like Diamonds. These stones are infinitely more interesting yet only get a fraction of the love. I had no idea that pure jade was white either!
Renee King recently posted..12 fun cultural differences that I discovered during my trip to South America
Surprising about jade, isn’t it? I’m not the kind of “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” kind of person, but there’s something about these gorgeous gemstones.
Very cool! And a place I have yet to see in Chicago!! Elmhurst is a charming town too.
Lisa | LLWorldTour recently posted..Edmonton: Mall Mecca
Elmhurst is a great town!. My friend has lived there for many years — always love visiting there.
What an amazing collection! Great series of shots.
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..New York, USA: Museum of Modern Art
Sign me up for some of those gemstones. I’m always amazed what they can do with a rough piece of rock. There are some works of art in that collection.
Leigh recently posted..Hiking the Panorama Ridge Trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park