Chinese Paktong and Coral Stemmed Apothecary Spoon (1800 to 1900 China)

Coral, Paktong

The Chinese passion for, and use of red coral, was remarked upon by Marco Polo as early as the 13th Century. The colour red had imperial connotations because the pronunciation of the word ‘red’; ‘hong’ is the same in Chinese as that for ‘great’. Coral jewellery could only be worn by the members of the immediate imperial family during the reign of the Emperor Qianlong so it is possible that this spoon was used in the context of the imperial court.

A Rare Chinese Paktong and Coral Stemmed Apothecary Spoon
The metal stem stamped with a Chinese makers mark
Qianlong Dynasty – Early 19th Century

Size: 20.5cm long – 8 ins long