A SUPERBLY CARVED BALTIC AMBER AND GOLD 'DRAGON' BEAD QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

of spherical form, the exterior exquisitely carved with a pair of ferocious dragons writhing amongst tumultuous waves contesting a 'flaming pearl', each powerfully modelled with fierce eyes and menacing features, their scaly bodies terminating in muscular limbs and sharp claws, the bead pierced through with an aperture set with a glass rod further embellished by gold filigree ruyi and lappet bands, the coral of a rich vermilion tone

Overall good condition. There is some expected bruising below the gold mounts. Other minor bruising and general surface wear, and a minute loss to the tip of a flame. There are possible missing inlays on two circular recesses.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Superbly carved with two dragons, this rare bead is likely to have been used as a separator in a Buddhist rosary necklace for a member of the Qing imperial family. Coral was treasured for its even lustre and vivid auspicious colour, and its specific use was included in the earliest basic rules relating to the Imperial wardrobe by the second ruler of the Qing dynasty, Huang Taiji, father of the Shunzhi Emperor (r. 1643-1661) in 1636. His rules were revised and augmented by the Qianlong Emperor in 1759, and revised in 1767, and recorded in the Huangchao liqi tushi [llustrated Regulations for the Ceremonial Paraphernalia of the Qing Dynasty], an eighteen juan monumental manuscript that includes thousands of illustrations and lengthy text, scrupulously recording the 'proper' paraphernalia for the emperor and his court. Costume and jewellery are well represented in this manuscript for both men and women, starting with the emperor down through all the ranks of the imperial clan and the whole of the court and civil service. A painting of Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuangwen (1613-1688), consort of Hong Taiji, mother of the Shunzhi Emperor and grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor (r. 1662-1722), wearing non-official clothing and holding a rosary with four large coral dividers, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, was included in the exhibition Kangxi. Empereur de Chine, Musée national du Château de Versailles, Versailles, 2004, cat. no. 50. A specific function of coral beads is discussed by Gary Dickinson and Linda Wrigglesworth in Imperial Wardrobe, Berkeley, 2000, p. 158, where the authors note that four larger coral beads were used as separators in the emperor’s principal chaozhu (court necklace); see an example sold in these rooms, 8th April 2010, lot 1813. One of the babao (Eight Treasures), its vermilion colour is associated with the yang essence of the sun so was worn on special occasions such as the ritual sacrifice at the Temple of the Sun.