Carnelian carved..to be or not to be a flower?

[sheilakrm]

To be or not to be a flower? If a flower what kind. Opinions greatly appreciated.

[southernmermaid8]

Sheila ,
I've been looking at this off and on since last night , trying to get a feel for it . As requested , this is just an opinion not the gospel . It does not feel floral to me . For some reason it feels more like an exotic piece of fruit . One that we are not so familliar with here in the U.S.

Interesting how it has that smooth platform towards the top in the center . Feels like it was left smooth for a reason . Just some food for thought , pun intended . The color variations on this pendant are beautiful .

Mermaid 🐳

[1940fc]

I agree.. it`s not a flower...  BUT......

It`s a JULIANA!!!  Figure 8..plain as the nose on your face!

[old.crows.nest]

Maybe it is a Foo Dog with it's mouth open? Seriously, that is what the bubbly shape reminds me of, the way the animal's muscles are represented in carvings. Maybe it is a exotic fruit? The closest to a flower to my eye would be Wisteria.

[sheilakrm]

Thanks... Juliana figure 8 made me chuckle.

I think I spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to figure it out  and the only thing I came up with was this Chinese lantern flower, but I will try fruit today..LOL

[southernmermaid8]

Good research ! Honestly it does bear a resemblance to one petal of that flower 🌹 , kinda with out the top or leaves . Veddy interesting . Good luck with the fruit ! 🍑 😳

[old.crows.nest]

I might be totally wrong but I think this is half a belt buckle that could have possibly had the flaming "pearl" in the middle.

[old.crows.nest]

Just an example of an old belt buckle:

http://armsandantiques.com/nice-19th-c-chinese-mutton-fat-white-jade-belt-buckle-ca605

[old.crows.nest]

Last post, if half a buckle, carving might be half a chrysanthemum.

[sheilakrm]

from what I have found it is old Chinese.... here is a sold listing that has similar enamel/chain.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fine-Old-Chinese-Carved-Jade-Monkey-Turquoise-Carnelian-Necklace-Pendant-Tog...

additional photos of my necklace

[old.crows.nest]

Okay, I guess I missed that it was all one piece. What does the back of the pendant look like?

[sheilakrm]

Did not realize I had not taken a photo of the back. So I had to take a fast one 😃

[old.crows.nest]

Hummm ... I can finally see in this last image that there is no rectangular hole near the top of the pendant. The way the light was shining on the others and my tiny screen size I saw a opening.

😞

What about grapes? I found some images if elongated grapes. Maybe try googling "Bat Ruyi Grapes" and see what comes up?

[mforjan]

I don't know what it is, but I LOVE IT!