Cee has reached the final letter in her ‘alphabet with a twist’ segment of the Fun Foto Challenge and I had no problem coming up with a subject for the letter z.
The wonderful thing about the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst, Illinois, is that it combines the beauty and splendor of nature with the skill and craftsmanship of artisans who have created some of the most breathtaking pieces of artwork that you will ever see. Here are just a few of the treasures that you will see if you visit the Lizzadro.
A turquoise carving donated from the collection of Cheng Kong Man Ying.

The Lohan, Buddhist monks carved in ivory. Although I deplore the use of ivory, the incredible skill with which these figurines are carved cannot be denied.


An Italian cameo is delicately worked onto a helmet shell.

A bracelet set with 288 sapphires and 45 diamonds in white gold, a ruby and diamond bracelet set in platinum by Tiffany & Co made in 1928 and a seed pearl parure by Bailey & Co made in 1850.

This Chinese figurine, one of a pair, is made of rose quartz.

Beautiful little snuff bottles, intricately carved on ivory, agate, porcelain and other natural materials.

A gorgeous Chines figurine carved in jadeite.

Two impressive Chinese spinach green vases carved in nephrite.

Detail from an Italian statuette of Henry IV, King of France carved in ivory and set with gemstones.

Two exquisite Japanese pieces carved in ivory.

Two skulls made of carved and polished stone from the “Faces of Eternity” exhibit at the Lizzadro.

For more on Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge go to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Letter Z anywhere in the word or people or animals catching some Zzz’s