A Collection of Miniature Red Coral Animal Figurines

A collection of miniature hand-carved figurines primarily depicting animals. The subjects include several elephants in various standing and recumbent poses, a bird, a fish or marine mammal, a crouching feline-like creature, and a circular low-relief carving resembling a tortoise shell. The figurines are carved from red coral (Corallium rubrum), displaying characteristic deep red to orangey-red colours. The pieces show natural features such as white inclusions, surface pitting, and branching grain patterns typical of the material. One circular carving features a bi-coloured white and red appearance, likely utilising the natural transition between the outer crust and the core of the coral. These types of small-scale carvings were historically acquired as Grand Tour souvenirs or specimens for cabinets of curiosity during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Please note that these items may be subject to CITES export and import restrictions.

Small-scale miniature carvings.