A CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

of slender tapering form resting on a slightly spreading foot, the exterior carved in various levels of relief with multi-storied pavilions and distant figures nestled amongst trees and leafy bushes in a landscape with cragged rocks and billowing clouds, the handle carved and pierced in the form of two gnarled trees with umbrella-like clusters of pine needles extending up the side and curling over the rim, the horn of dark chocolate brown tone with a lighter toffee-coloured tone at the rim

A triangular (4.2 x 1cm) chip has been lost from the rim with associated loss to the polished-down pine tree to the interior of the cup and the surrounding trees on the exterior which could possibly been recarved. Near to it are two linked areas of loss(measuring 5 x 1.5cm and 3 x 1.5cm respectively), smaller indents and vertical age cracks (circa 0.8cm) along the mouth rim. Minor areas of loss to the detail of the carving include leafy tips of the tree shrubs (circa 0.2 x 0.3cm) and the side of the roof to two buildings, one at the front face and the other on the reverse (each measuring 0.4 x 0.5cm). The horn is of a slightly darker tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Although rhinoceros horn cups decorated with figures in landscape are readily found, the present vessel is unusual for the amount of detail included in the design. The carver has treated his material as a canvas, and has taken inspiration from contemporary scroll paintings of architectural nature. The many pavilions and buildings found behind the city wall are expertly positioned around the rim and upper body of the vessel where there is sufficient space for the design. In the continuous landscape below, scholars can be seen pursuing leisurely activities in an idyllic setting; for example, strolling amongst the beautiful scenery of rocks and trees. The overall effect is one of gentle calmness which also manifests itself in the simple yet elegant carving style employed by the artist.

See a cup carved with figures in a landscape setting, but the carving in high relief, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carving, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 201, attributed to the mid-Qing period; four early examples decorated with figural landscapes, ibid., pls 145-148; and a cup from the collection of Franklin Chow sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8^th April 2011, lot 2714, where the handle is fashioned in the form of a dragon depicted climbing up the side of the vessel and peering over the lip. Compare also a vessel by master carver Zhou Wenshu, carved with a landscape based on a painting, in the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, included in Jan Chapman, 'The Chester Beatty Collection of Chinese Carved Rhinoceros Horn Cups', Arts of Asia, May-June 1982, p. 78, fig. 16.