Description
A MAGNIFICENT CARVED CORAL FIGURE OF A LADY
QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY
清十九世纪 红珊瑚雕“仕女图”立像
MEASUREMENTS
H. 14.2 cm, 5.6 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 2,000 — 3,000
(HKD 15,600 — 23,400)
The exquisite coral carving is masterfully fashioned from a single branch of precious red coral, possessing a vibrant, deep orange-red hue with natural white “marrow” highlights characteristic of high-quality deep-sea specimens. The figure depicts an elegant celestial lady, likely a portrayal of Chang’e or a Daoist immortal, standing in a graceful, rhythmic pose that follows the natural undulation of the coral branch. She is dressed in long, flowing robes with wide sleeves that flutter elegantly, carved with deep, fluid lines to suggest movement and delicate silk. Her face is rendered with a serene, meditative expression, framed by an elaborately coiffed topknot. The secondary branches of the coral are ingeniously integrated into the composition, intricately carved with blossoming floral sprays and auspicious stylized motifs that surround the central figure, creating a sense of a heavenly garden. The entire piece is set upon a fitted black lacquer or hardwood base.
此尊红珊瑚仕女立像以深海名贵红珊瑚大料雕就，色泽红润匀净，局部带有天然白芯，质地细腻滋润。雕工极尽精巧，仕女体态婀娜，依珊瑚枝自然生长之势而作，呈现出一种天然去雕饰的动态美。仕女面庞圆润丰满，神情端庄静谧，发髻高耸，雕琢细致入微。其身披长裙曳地，衣褶翻转自然，线条流畅如行云流水，充分展现了丝织物的轻盈质感。工匠巧用珊瑚的分支，雕刻出繁密的繁花簇拥之景，与仕女主体相映成趣，构思极富匠心。整件作品高度达14.2厘米，在珊瑚雕刻中属于体量较大之作，配以黑色底座，更衬托出红珊瑚的明艳夺目。
During the Qing Dynasty, red coral was highly coveted by the imperial court and the elite, prized not only for its rarity and jewel-like color but also as a symbol of high status and longevity. This figure exemplifies the 19th-century aesthetic of “巧雕” (clever carving), where the natural imperfections and unique morphology of the organic material are transformed into artistic assets. The sophisticated treatment of the drapery and the serene facial features reflect the influence of classical Buddhist and Daoist iconography on secular decorative arts. Such substantial coral carvings were often placed in the study or private quarters of high-ranking officials as a testament to their refined taste and wealth. The combination of its impressive height, vibrant coloration, and the complexity of the openwork floral carving makes this a rare survivor of late Qing coral artistry.
红珊瑚在清代被视为瑞宝，位列“佛教七宝”之一，亦是官阶身份的象征。此件作品代表了晚清珊瑚雕刻艺术的高度水平，体现了当时盛行的“因材施艺”设计理念，即将自然界有机宝石的原始形态与人文审美完美结合。其精湛的镂雕工艺和对衣纹细节的极致追求，深受宫廷审美与文人趣味的影响。在古代，此类大型珊瑚陈设品常置于王公贵族的书斋案头，寓意吉祥长寿、富贵盈门。由于优质大尺寸红珊瑚原料极为稀缺，如此高14.2厘米且保存完好的仕女立像，是研究清代珠宝工艺及陈设文化的珍贵实物。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall excellent condition. The coral retains its brilliant natural luster and deep coloration.
• The delicate floral carvings and the extremities of the figure (fingers and hair ornaments) are remarkably well-preserved with no apparent losses or chips.
• Natural growth marks and minute white spots are present, consistent with the organic nature of the material.
• 状况: 整体品相极佳。珊瑚发色明艳，包浆亮丽，保持了极好的天然光泽。
• 镂雕的繁花部分及仕女的纤细部位均保存完好，未见明显缺损或断裂。
• 表面可见少量珊瑚天然生长纹理及微小白点，属材质本身的自然特征，非人为损伤。
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