A MASSIVE CARVED FULL-TIP RHINOCEROS HORN 'LOTUS' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the deep U-shaped cup in the form of a veined lotus leaf, borne on a long curved stem profusely carved in openwork with a cornucopia of intertwining lotus flowers and stalks, the base carved in the form of a cupped lotus leaf, the horn of warm chestnut tone, carved wood stand

The cup has various areas of loss (ranging from 1cm to 1.5cm) along the rim of the horn with associated flakes, a 2 x 0.5cm loss to the curled lotus leaf just beneath the rim, and other minor nicks and nibbling across the surface, particularly to the extremities of the carving. The horn is of a richer and warmer golden tone than 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."

The present piece is impressive for its deeply undercut form and exceptionally large size. The carver has skilfully made use of the entire length of the horn with the solid tip transformed into the stem of the plant. Expertly carved with attention paid to details, such as the curled edges and veins running through the leaves, the varying surface textures and the interlocking forms combine to create an attractive piece.

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 gentry and literati.

For examples of related full-tip rhinoceros horn cups see one on loan in the Durham University Oriental Museum, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 73, pl. 38, where the author notes that the cup may have been commissioned by a European who demanded the largest and longest possible horn with the maximum amount of bravura carving. Compare also a cup sold in our New York rooms, 5^th June 1985, lot 131; a pair sold in these rooms, 4^th May 1984, lot 279; and one similarly pierced in openwork sold in our Los Angeles rooms, 26^th October 1977, lot 779.