An outstanding large rhinoceros horn 'scholars' libation cup Qing dynasty, Kangxi period

of typical elongated tapering form and oval section, deftly carved around the steep flaring sides with a continuous landscape scene depicting eighteen scholars variously engaged in leisurely pursuits and accompanied by their attendants, enjoying the music of a qin, sipping tea, composing poetry and engaging in lively discussion, alongside a rushing stream and amidst a vibrant landscape grown with bamboo, leafy paulownia trees and a large banana plant, with towering pine trees issuing from high rocks forming the handle continuing up and over the edge of the rim, the horn of superb golden russet hue transmuting to darker brown

Collection of Kenyon V. Painter, Cleveland, Ohio & Arusha, Tanzania, circa 1910s-40s.
By descent to the present owners.

This vessel has three nicks to the rim, with two polished down and the other not retouched approximately 3/8 inch across. One side of the 'handle' with a 5/8 inch vertical age crack starting from the rim. There are approximately seven minor visible holes that have been bored by insects. One small section of the pine tree at the 'handle' and one small section of the paulownia tree appear to have also been bored out by insects, resulting in hollowed 'tree branches', the largest 1/2 inch long. The foot has some glue residue from being stuck to a stand. The overall condition is quite good and the interior patina of a beautifully smooth tone.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a related cup carved with 'a hundred boys' playing traditional games amidst mountain rocks and pine groves, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, no. 155.  Another rhinoceros horn libation cup of this design from the Avery Brundage collection can be found in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, and is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, no. 282.