587 - One-of-a-kind clarinet with gold fittings and diamond inlays by Manfred Wild

One-of-a-kind clarinet with gold fittings and diamond inlays by Manfred Wild The world’s only playable rock crystal clarinet was crafted in 1998–1999 by Manfred Wild from a single piece of Madagascar rock crystal at the Emil Becker company in Kirschweiler near Idar-Oberstein; the fittings are made of 18-karat yellow gold weighing a total of 158 g (hallmark “750,” manufacturer’s mark “EB (/) OHG”); the “Zinner 4 M” mouthpiece is made of crystal glass; the mechanism with the keys is made of gold-plated brass; set with 551 diamonds totaling 8.05 ct.; black, cut and polished, oval stone base with gold-plated brass. Clarinet length: 68 cm, weight: approx. 1,185 g. Original black leather instrument case. According to information from the previous owner, the clarinet was used in a 2014 concert by the Berlin Philharmonic; in 2020, it was part of the “Gemstone Masterpieces” exhibition at the Wilensky Gallery in Chelsea, New York City. Experts from the worlds of gemstones and music could hardly believe that a rock crystal clarinet could be crafted—and even played musically. Even Manfred Wild, who is always known for his innovative ideas, initially had doubts about the feasibility of creating a fully functional wind instrument from this material. It took two years of intensive work, planning, and collaboration with a clarinet maker and a musician to create the perfect instrument. A solid piece of Madagascar rock crystal weighing 27 kg served as the raw material for the project. Absolute perfection down to the smallest detail was required; not even the slightest error could be made when drilling the tone holes, as every tenth of a millimeter is crucial for producing flawless tones. The instrument had to be crafted from a single piece, which significantly increased the risk during production, since only the mouthpiece was replaceable. A total of over 2,000 hours of work and months of testing through playing and fine-tuning were necessary to make this rock crystal clarinet sound for the first time. Manfred Wild, born in 1944 in Kirschweiler near the German gemstone center of Idar-Oberstein, is one of the most internationally significant and renowned masters in the art of gemstone grinding and cutting. Wild comes from a family with a tradition in this craft dating back to 1630. Wild, who also works as a jeweler, is sometimes referred to as the “Fabergé of the 21st century” because of his craftsmanship. This comparison is certainly apt when one considers his spectacular objects, masterfully created through decades of artistic and artisanal experience. Wild’s works are exhibited in museums around the world, including the German Gem Museum in Idar-Oberstein, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Harvard Museum in Boston, the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, and the Iksan Jewelry Museum in Korea. Furthermore, they are coveted by wealthy international private collectors for their art collections or cabinets of curiosities. His clients and collectors include royal and sovereign families worldwide, such as Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, King Felipe VI of Spain, Sultan Qabus bin Said of Oman, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. A unique rock crystal clarinet set with 551 diamonds (8.05 cts.) and mounted with 18-karat gold (158 grams), crafted by Manfred Wild in 1998/1999. Maker’s mark. Gilded valves, “Zinner 4 M” crystal glass mouthpiece. Polished black stone base with gilded brass mounting. This handmade rock crystal clarinet is the only playable instrument made of this material in existence. Featured in the exhibition “Gemstone Masterpieces” held by the Wilensky Gallery in Chelsea, New York City, in 2020. Measures 680 mm in length; weighs approximately 1,185 grams. Comes with the original black leather instrument case.