A LARGE AND FINELY CARVED 'LOTUS BOUQUET' RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

naturalistically carved as a large long stemmed lotus leaf with an infurled undulating rim and characteristic veining running down the interior and exterior, further stalks bearing leafs and buds rise up the side of the vessel and are tied together with a ribbon, the horn of rich dark honey tone, carved wood stand

Scandanavian Collection, acquired in the early 20th Century.

This finely carved cup is in very good overall condition with the exception of a 10 x 5mm., rim chip, a break across one of the long lotus stems, some pitting to the interior and loss to some of the claws of the small crab within the cup. It should be noted that the horn is of a slightly warmer tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present piece is impressive for its deeply undercut forms and rhythmic and naturalistic depiction of the lotus leaves. Carefully carved with meticulous attention to detail, as seen in the delicately curled edges and veins running through the broad leaves, the varying surface textures and interlocking forms combine to create a highly sensuous piece characteristic of seventeenth century rhinoceros horn carving.

Compare a libation cup carved as a lotus leaf, but in lower relief, sold in these rooms, 31st October 1986, lot 175, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 25th November 1987; another sold in these rooms, 27th October 1989, lot 186; and a third example sold in our New York rooms, 26th February 1983, lot 358. See also a lotus leaf-shape cup decorated with various water plants at Snowshill Manor, Worcester, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 210; and another adorned with lotus seed pods, blossoms and qilong, sold in these rooms, 5th November 2008, lot 6.

The lotus plant is one of the most popular decorative themes in the rhinoceros horn carvers' repertoire. Homonymous with the word for peace, the lotus (he) is symbolic of the pure and elevated character of virtuous gentlemen and thus appealed greatly to the literati.