Coral - coral - Cameo - Natural-Antique

Enchanting hand-carved natural coral floral sculpture – early 20th century
General description
Elegant and refined floral sculpture made of natural coral hand-carved, dating to the early years of the 20th century (early 1900s).
The work features a vertical composition with a central rose blossomed at the top and smaller flowers and foliage finely modeled at the bottom, in keeping with a decorative taste typical of the Mediterranean tradition, highly regarded between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The workmanship highlights excellent artisanal skill: soft volumes, overlapping petals, deep engravings, and a wise use of the natural material, leaving visible the natural veins and inclusions of the coral, a sign of authenticity and manual craftsmanship.
Estimated period
Early 20th century (c. 1900–1920)
Attribuable by style, technique, and type of carving to Italian artisanal productions of the period.
Material
Natural coral (likely Corallium rubrum – Mediterranean coral)
Untinted, not artificially treated.
Weight:
Total estimated weight: about 22–26 grams
Carats corresponding: about 110–130 carats
(1 gram = 5 carats)
Dimensions
Height: about 5.8–6.2 cm
Maximum width: about 3.2–3.6 cm
Average thickness: about 1.4–1.8 cm
Provenance
Mediterranean area – Italy (Torre del Greco area)
Traditional historic center of coral working, active mainly between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Colors
Deep orange / warm salmon, with:
slight milky shading in lighter naturally occurring areas
minerally inclusions and porosity typical of ancient coral
Natural uneven coloration, highly appreciated by collectors.
Type of work:
Completely handmade carving
relief work, deep and defined engravings
three-dimensional modeling, back intentionally left rough, as per ancient tradition
Naturalistic floral composition
central rose in full bloom, side flowers smaller, stylized leaves.
Symbol motif of beauty, prosperity and refinement, highly sought after in ancient coral collecting.