Large antique Chinese Qing dynasty red coral specimen

The Chinese red coral specimen is in natural form and is mounted onto a wooden base.

Coral collecting and carving is an ancient Chinese tradition. Figures, groups and jewellery carved in coral were often produced for members of the Chinese nobility. Decorative carvings and specimens, like the one displayed here, became especially popular during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), and were revered for their fine red colour as well as for the preciousness of the material.