303 - CARLO PARLATI Pink coral sculpture depicting a hand.

CARLO PARLATI Pink coral sculpture depicting a hand. 1980s Dimensions: 5.5 x 2 x 3.5 cm. Weight: 16.5 g A refined sculpture depicting a hand, carved from a single piece of pink coral, characterized by a delicate peach-pink hue with subtle whitish undertones and a carefully smoothed and polished surface.The hand is portrayed in a natural and elegant pose, with the palm facing upward and the fingers gently curved, in a gesture suggesting an attitude of offering or welcome. The anatomical rendering is particularly accurate, with meticulous detailing of the joints, skin folds, fingernails, and palm lines. The soft, harmonious modeling, combined with careful attention to proportions, lends the sculpture remarkable realism, while enhancing the material’s chromatic qualities and natural translucency.The wrist ends in a smooth, polished cut surface bearing an incised signature attributable to Carlo Parlati. Two small gold-colored metal screw fittings are visible on the back of the hand and near the wrist, presumably intended for securing or assembling the sculpture with other decorative elements. Antonio Uliano, Carlo Parlati. On the Coral Sculptures of Carlo Parlati, Ars Magistra Arts, Naples-Rome, 1983. Carlo Parlati is widely regarded as the most innovative figure in modern Italian coral sculpture. Trained in the centuries-old carving tradition of Torre del Greco, he transformed the ancient craft of coral carving into a truly contemporary sculptural language, elevating it beyond the realm of decorative arts to that of autonomous works of art. His body of work is distinguished by his ability to exploit the natural forms of coral as the generative element of each composition, skillfully integrating them with gold, silver, and hardstones to create highly original sculptural works. Among the most celebrated subjects in his body of work are Adam and Eve, Bacchus, Ecce Homo, Venus, allegorical figures, and numerous interpretations of Medusa—a theme particularly well-suited to highlighting the material’s extraordinary plasticity, expressive power, and dynamic qualities. Item condition rating: *** good. The coral retains its original lustrous polish and displays excellent color consistency throughout. There is a small scratch on the index finger.