Italian Carved Porphyry Skull, Circa 1700. Photo courtesy M.S.Rau Antiques. 7" wide x 7 1/2" deep x 9 1/2" high. Price: $28,850 As intriguing as it is menacing, this life-size Italian skull is carved of porphyry, one of the most precious stones in the...

A pair of French ormolu-mounted porphyry ewers. Circa 1870, in the manner of Pierre Gouthière. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010 Each of slender ovoid form with dolphin handle and mask spout, on a circular base, 26¾ in. (68 cm.) high (2). Estimate £25,000...

The Houghton Porphyry Vases. Estimate £500,000 - £800,000. Sold £601,250 to an anonymous. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010 A pair of Louis XV ormolu and porphyry vases, circa 1765, after a design by Ennemond -Alexandre Petitot, published in 1764. Each...