Lot 096 A RARE CARVED CORAL ‘IMMORTAL AND LINGZHI’ GROUP QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

Description

A RARE CARVED CORAL ‘IMMORTAL AND LINGZHI’ GROUP
QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY
清十九世纪 红珊瑚雕“仙人祝寿”立像
MEASUREMENTS
H. 11.7 cm, 4.6 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 1,200 — 1,800
(HKD 9,300 — 14,000)
This elegant carving is fashioned from a vibrant, deep-red coral branch, showcasing the material’s natural intensity and lustrous, waxy surface. The composition cleverly utilizes the organic form of the coral to depict a smiling male immortal, possibly Magu’s companion or a Daoist figure, emerging from behind a large, vertically rising lingzhi (fungus of immortality) stem. The immortal is rendered with a joyous facial expression, with finely incised details defining his features and traditional robes. To his side, the coral branches out into a meticulously carved cluster of lingzhi heads, their ruyi-shaped forms symbolizing longevity and divine protection. The reverse of the carving reveals the natural texture of the coral, interspersed with smooth, polished areas that highlight the purity of the color. The piece stands as a fine example of 19th-century lapidary art, where the natural morphology of the precious material is harmoniously blended with auspicious symbolism.
此尊红珊瑚立像以色泽浓郁、质地莹润的深海红珊瑚雕就。匠人独具匠心，依珊瑚天然生长之势，构思出“仙人献瑞”之景。像中仙人面带笑意，神态和蔼，其衣纹线条流畅，神形兼备。仙人身侧及上方延伸出数朵硕大的灵芝，灵芝菌盖圆润，层叠而上，寓意“长寿如意”与“灵根永驻”。珊瑚材质红润均匀，局部经精细抛光，呈现出如油脂般的迷人光泽，背部则保留了部分天然生长的纹理，更显古朴自然。整件作品高度达11.7厘米，造型挺拔而不失生动，将名贵材质与吉祥寓意完美结合，是清代晚期珊瑚雕刻工艺的代表之作。
In Chinese culture, red coral has long been revered as one of the “Seven Treasures,” symbolizing high social status and warding off evil spirits. The combination of an immortal with lingzhi fungus is a quintessential “birthday” motif (shoutu), frequently commissioned as a prestigious gift for high-ranking officials during the Qing Dynasty. Carvings of this substantial size required a large, healthy coral branch, which was exceedingly rare even in the 19th century. The carver’s ability to maintain the structural integrity of the branch while creating deep, narrative undercuts reflects the high level of technical skill achieved by Cantonese and Beijing workshops. The presence of natural “white marrow” or minute growth pits is a testament to its organic origin, distinguishing it from later glass or resin imitations.
红珊瑚在中华文化中素有“瑞宝”之称，不仅是身份地位的象征，更被赋予了辟邪纳福的神秘色彩。此像所雕刻的“仙人与灵芝”组合，是清代极为盛行的祝寿题材，常作为贺礼献予王公贵族。在珊瑚贸易受到严格管控的清代，能够获得如此体量的原材并进行精细加工，殊为不易。此作在雕刻技法上追求细节的真实与整体的写意，充分利用了红珊瑚天然的色泽优势，将文人画中的仙道意境巧妙转化为立体艺术。其保存状态良好，红润的色气与精湛的刀法使其不仅具有极高的艺术赏析价值，更是研究清代有机宝石雕刻史的重要标本。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition with a rich, natural patina.
• The carving is remarkably intact; the delicate edges of the lingzhi and the figure’s features remain crisp and free from any significant chips or cracks.
• Minor natural growth pits and faint white striations are present on the surface, which are characteristic of natural deep-sea coral and do not detract from its beauty.
• 状况: 整体品相极佳，包浆红润自然。
• 雕刻部分保存非常完好，灵芝边缘及人物面部细节清晰锐利，无明显崩口或裂纹。
• 表面可见少量天然生长形成的细微坑洞及浅白纹理，此乃深海天然红珊瑚之本质特征，更增其真实感与自然美。