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Corallium rubrum (Mediterranean Red Coral Tree)
Mediterranean red coral was traditionally valued for its supposed capacity to ward off evil. Amulets of the material were hung around babies' necks. For collectors, the most popular presentation was in the natural tree shape in which it grows underwater, mounted on a base of gilded silver, stone (here, alabaster), or wood. This example, dating to the 19th century or earlier, has been left unpolished.
Geographies
Sicily (Place of Origin)
Measurements
6 x 8 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (15.2 x 21.6 x 5.7 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds provided by the Von Hess Foundation, 2005
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
2005.67