ATHANOR

The Inner Furnace of Transformation

Athanor brings together a specially commissioned brecciated obsidian axe, septarian stones, solid bamboo, handcrafted copper fittings, gold and an original language of light within a contemporary sculptural composition exploring the ancient alchemical principle of transformation through fire.

The name Athanor refers to the furnace used in historical alchemy to maintain a continuous, carefully regulated heat, allowing transformation to unfold gradually over time.

Within this artwork, the Athanor becomes a symbol of the inner furnace — the place where the shadow is confronted, the ego is transformed and the passage towards the Heart begins.

Entirely handcrafted in Bulgaria on a substantial solid bamboo panel, the artwork centres around a specially commissioned axe made from brecciated obsidian — volcanic glass whose fractured fragments have been reunited within a single geological structure.

The axe was particularly difficult to obtain and became the foundation of the composition.

Its material carries the physical traces of fragmentation and reunion, reflecting the alchemical movement between dissolution and reintegration.

What has been broken becomes part of a new wholeness.

Two natural septarian stones accompany the axe, introducing another expression of geological time, mineral formation and the ancient memory of the Earth.

The copper fittings surrounding the axe handle were individually handcrafted by the artist and represent one of the most technically demanding elements of the creation.

Around these central objects, layered textures, metallic pigments, gold and individually painted symbols form a composition reminiscent of an ancient alchemical manuscript or ceremonial artefact.

An original language of light appears across the surface through hand-painted markings, allowing their meaning to remain open, intuitive and personal.

The Reverse — The Alchemical Fire

Athanor is an artwork with two intentionally composed sides.

While the front carries the obsidian axe, septarian stones and handcrafted copper, the reverse reveals an elaborate composition of fire, geometric fields, symbolic markings and alchemical inscriptions.

Among them appear REGULUS, COLOBRIUM, IGNE and IGNIS.

Regulus carries historical associations with kingship and alchemical metalwork, while the Latin words Ignis and Igne refer to fire.

The inscriptions form part of the symbolic language of the artwork, connecting the reverse to the ancient imagery of alchemical transformation.

The front carries the matter.

The reverse carries the fire.

Athanor also evokes the idea of an inner threshold — one that cannot be crossed by the untransformed ego, but through awareness, integration and the courage to encounter one's own shadow.

More than a wall artwork, Athanor exists as a contemporary symbolic artefact — part painting, part sculptural object and part imagined alchemical relic.

It speaks of dissolution and reintegration.

Of the shadow met with awareness.

Of transformation sustained through patience.

Of the Heart revealed beyond the limitations of the ego.

The true Athanor is within.

Athanor is an entirely unique original. No molds, prints or reproductions are created, making the work impossible to recreate exactly.

Dimensions

Artwork: 80 × 40 cm (31.5 × 15.7 in)

Materials

• Solid bamboo panel

• Specially commissioned brecciated obsidian axe

• Two natural septarian stones

• Individually handcrafted copper fittings

• Copper and metallic elements

• Acrylic

• Gold and metallic pigments

• Layered textured details

• Original hand-painted language of light

• Hand-painted alchemical inscriptions and fire composition on the reverse

• Protective finish

Craftsmanship

Each Athanor begins with a substantial solid bamboo panel before every layer of pigment, texture and symbolic expression is developed entirely by hand.

The specially commissioned obsidian axe is positioned at the centre of the composition, with individually handcrafted copper fittings surrounding its handle — one of the most demanding aspects of the artist's work.

Two natural septarian stones are integrated alongside layered pigments, metallic surfaces and individually painted symbols.

The reverse receives its own artistic treatment through hand-painted fire, inscriptions and geometric markings, completing the symbolic relationship between matter and transformation.

The meeting of brecciated obsidian, septarian, solid bamboo, copper, gold and original symbolism gives Athanor its distinctive material presence — bringing together geological history, contemporary craftsmanship and alchemical imagery within a single sculptural artefact.

Certificate & Shipping

• One-of-a-kind original sculptural wall artwork

• Handcrafted in Bulgaria

• Complimentary natural fur, personally gifted by the artist and included with the artwork.

• Created on a substantial solid bamboo panel

• Incorporates a specially commissioned brecciated obsidian axe

• Features two natural septarian stones

• Individually handcrafted copper fittings

• Artistically composed front and reverse

• Signed by the artist

• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity

• Carefully packaged for worldwide shipping

• Ready to hang

Living Stars Alchemy

Every Living Stars Alchemy creation is handcrafted in Bulgaria as a one-of-a-kind original.

Through natural materials, found objects, layered craftsmanship and an original language of light, each work is created to become a lasting presence — bridging ancient memory, contemporary art and meaningful connection.

Ivaylo Dobrev

Living Stars Alchemy