A common symbol across innumerable cultures, the heart is known as a manawa in the Maori language. Most such designs revolve around the heart-form being perfectly symmetrical; but that's not the way our carver prefers to roll. The asymmetric heart has a more dynamic, less "industrial product" kind of feel - as this excellent example in a lovely piece of Akatore rhodonite shows off so well.
 
Measuring in at 50mm long and 42mm wide at its widest point, the face of this piece is a riot of contrasting patterns in black, ochre, grey and white, all against a richly-patterned mid-pink background tone. It's a striking conversation piece, and therefore definitely one for the connoisseur of the visually striking and unusual.