Mounted Stalactite, 17th-19th Century

Mounted Stalactite
China or Europe, 17th–19th century  

Limestone stalactite with bronze base  
H. 31 cm  

Provenance:
French art market  

The base design and its decorative elements suggest an influence from Chinese decorative arts, particularly in the cloud scroll motif (yunwen). The stalactite’s irregularities fit the base with precision, indicating that the mount was crafted specifically to complement the natural form, a testament to the respect afforded to this natural curiosity.

We have not found any direct parallels for this unusual and rare piece. Based on current knowledge, its origin remains undetermined. This mounted stalactite could have equally adorned a European curiosity cabinet between the 17th and 19th centuries or been part of a Chinese scholar's collection.