Brown gorgonian, brass base, Madagascar

Gorgonians, like corals, are sessile colonial animals. Their polyps, each equipped with eight tentacles, filter plankton from the water. Unlike reef-building corals, they do not depend on light to grow. Their skeleton, made of gorgonin, is both flexible and resilient, allowing them to adapt to ocean currents.
This brown gorgonian, originating from the waters of Madagascar, has grown perpendicularly to the current, optimizing its ability to capture nutrients. Its intricate structure, almost textile-like, resembles delicate embroidery frozen in time.
Mounted on a brass base, it highlights the elegance of its natural architecture while maintaining a balance between flexibility and solidity.