Chinese coral carvings, 20th century.

A carved coral study of a dragon. 20th Century. photo courtesy Bonhams

The intricately worked branch of coral terminating as a many whiskered dragon head at one end and a feathered tail at the other, the sides carved as individual scales amongst ruyi-shaped cloud tufts. 15 1/2in (39.5cm) long - Estimate: $1,000 - 1,500

A pair of coral figural carvings. 20th Century. photo courtesy Bonhams

Including one of Budai portrayed with gleeful expression in loose fitting robes with his eponymous sack slung over his proper right shoulder and a pile of ingots and coins at his feet; the other a six-armed bodhisattva seated in dhyanasana upon a waisted lotus plinth and fronting a circular mandorla, principle arms in namaskara mudra, the other limbs holding various iconographic implements.
4 1/2 and 3 3/4in (11.5 and 9.5cm) heights of coral - Estimate: $1,200 - 1,500

Bonhams. Asian Decorative Arts, 15 Mar 2011, San Francisco www.bonhams.com