{"title":"Antique Coral Objects","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor centuries, coral has been one of the world's most prized natural materials, admired for its vibrant colour, rarity and symbolic significance. From intricately carved Chinese ornaments and Ottoman luxury objects to finely mounted European works of art and richly decorated weapons, antique coral has long been associated with wealth, status and exceptional craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Nwtiques, we occasionally offer a carefully curated selection of antique coral objects, including Chinese carvings, Ottoman works of art, mounted decorative objects, and antique arms incorporating coral decoration. Each piece reflects the enduring appeal of this remarkable organic gemstone and the skill of the craftsmen who transformed it into works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe History of Coral in the Decorative Arts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrecious red coral (\u003cem\u003eCorallium rubrum\u003c\/em\u003e), harvested primarily from the Mediterranean, has been valued since antiquity. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed coral possessed protective powers, while throughout Europe and Asia it was worn as jewellery, carved into religious objects and incorporated into luxury furnishings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, coral had become an important luxury material traded along the Silk Road and maritime routes linking Europe, the Ottoman Empire, North Africa and China. Its rarity and vivid colour made it highly desirable among collectors and royal courts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChinese Coral Carvings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChinese artisans developed an exceptional mastery of coral carving during the Qing Dynasty, particularly under the reigns of the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong Emperors. Highly prized red coral was imported through extensive trading networks before being transformed into exquisitely detailed sculptures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChinese coral carvings frequently depict:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImmortals and Buddhist figures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDragons and phoenixes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScholars and attendants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers, fruit and symbolic plants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuspicious animals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiniature landscapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoral also became an important material for court ornaments, snuff bottles, brush washers and decorative scholar's objects. Its rich red colour symbolised happiness, prosperity and longevity, making it particularly appropriate for Imperial commissions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOttoman Coral Objects\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the Ottoman Empire, coral was widely used to decorate luxury objects intended for the court and wealthy patrons. Sword hilts, daggers, flintlock pistols, writing implements and ceremonial objects were often embellished with polished coral cabochons or carved coral elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOttoman craftsmen frequently combined coral with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurquoise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMother-of-pearl\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock crystal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnamel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese richly decorated objects exemplify the sophisticated decorative arts produced throughout Istanbul and the wider Ottoman world during the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCoral Mounted Decorative Objects\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEuropean craftsmen also embraced coral as a luxurious decorative material. Throughout the Baroque, Rococo and Victorian periods, coral was mounted onto a wide variety of precious objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaskets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReliquaries\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabinet objects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver-mounted vessels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIvory carvings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock crystal objects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardstone carvings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrand Tour souvenirs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoral was often combined with gilt bronze, silver or ormolu mounts to enhance both its visual impact and perceived value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCoral on Antique Weapons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most striking uses of coral appears on antique edged weapons and firearms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors will encounter coral mounted:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOttoman yataghans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShamshirs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKindjals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKhanjars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlintlock pistols\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowder flasks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCeremonial daggers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than serving a practical function, coral demonstrated the prestige of the owner and elevated the weapon into a work of art suitable for ceremonial or diplomatic presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Collect Antique Coral?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors are drawn to antique coral for several reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExceptional natural beauty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich historical significance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine hand carving\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCross-cultural appeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssociation with royal courts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncreasing rarity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong decorative presence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause modern harvesting of precious coral is now tightly regulated, antique examples have become increasingly desirable among collectors of decorative arts and historic objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiscover Antique Coral at Nwtiques\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur collection of antique coral objects reflects the extraordinary craftsmanship of artists working across Europe, China and the Ottoman Empire. Whether carved into intricate Chinese sculptures, mounted onto luxurious decorative objects or adorning historic arms and armour, antique coral remains one of the most captivating materials found in the decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe regularly acquire unusual and museum-quality coral objects. If you are searching for a particular piece, or would like advice on collecting antique coral, please contact Nwtiques to discuss our current inventory.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chinese-20th-century-precious-coral-carved-group","title":"Chinese 20th Century Precious Coral Carved Group","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fine late 19th century \/ 20th century carved precious coral group depicting Chinese characters enjoying abundant lives. Figures playing board games, drinking and relaxing.\u003cbr\u003eChina, circa 1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 3.5 cms (1.4 ins)\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 9.5 cms (3.8 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 19.5 cms (7.7 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51236193173841,"sku":"18251","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_4b2bb1eb-be06-4c8e-b851-72e9815f1636.png?v=1749534626"},{"product_id":"chinese-carved-precious-coral-group-reclining-figure-of-guanyin","title":"Chinese Carved Precious Coral Group Reclining figure of Guanyin","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Chinese Carved Precious Coral Group Reclining figure of Guanyin with attendants. 369g\u003cbr\u003eChina, circa 1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 14 cms (5.5 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 24 cms (9.5 ins)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 3 cms (1.2 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central focus of the group is the reclining figure of Guanyin, who is depicted with great sensitivity and grace. The figure is posed in a relaxed and contemplative position, with one hand resting on her knee and the other elevated. The carving of the figure is highly detailed, with intricate features such as the flowing robes and delicate facial features, adding to the beauty and elegance of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51236199825745,"sku":"18263","price":14900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_3d6a9c62-17f7-488e-8451-74412b049322.png?v=1749534444"},{"product_id":"japanese-carved-coral-sculpture","title":"Japanese Carved Coral Sculpture","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fine carving of a Stellar’s Sea Eagle descending into ferocious waves and catching a writhing fish\u003cbr\u003eChina, circa 1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions of coral only:\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 10 cms (4 ins)\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 17 cms (6.7 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 20 cms (8 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51242009919825,"sku":"14115","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_128b919c-4249-4315-b0ef-c6afc4562915.png?v=1749507077"},{"product_id":"rare-chinese-carved-precious-coral-group","title":"Rare Chinese Carved Precious Coral Group","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fine Chinese coral group on stand, carved as a group of wise men in a winged dragon \/ galleon sailing above a sea plentiful in fish. The reverse also carved in exquisite detail.\u003cbr\u003eChina, Circa 1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 21.5 cms (8.5 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 23 cms (9.1 ins)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 10.16 cms (4 ins)\u003cbr\u003ePrice on request\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51242413457745,"sku":"12872","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_0e401087-2960-4d30-b5e2-250a93d649e5.png?v=1749505383"},{"product_id":"magnificent-red-coral-specimen","title":"Magnificent Red Coral Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003eA large red stained coral specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 79 cms (31 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 77 cms (30.5 ins)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 30 cms (12 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection EE10","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51285689106769,"sku":"96381","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_02dbe79b-a53c-4b74-8622-1d2bf176f57b.png?v=1750399261"},{"product_id":"a-superb-chinese-carved-pink-coral-group","title":"A Superb Chinese Carved Pink Coral Group","description":"\u003cp\u003eChina, circa 1920\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA fine early 20th century carved pink coral figurative group amongst foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeight including base 1.3kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWidth 23cm (9in)\n\u003cbr\u003eHeight 25cm (9 4\/5in)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sold Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51461156274513,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/a-superb-chinese-carved-pink-coral-group.jpg?v=1752740865"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/CORAL-SPECIMEN.webp?v=1783163762","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/antique-coral-objects.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}