A RARE RHINOCERCOS HORN LEAF-SHAPED WASHER MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

carved as two large overlapping leaves with veins inside and out, attached to a branch sprouting smaller leaves, the interior with a praying mantis perched at the base of the leaves, the material of a rich brown colour lightening at the edges, wood stand

Acquired in New York, 1986.

There is some wear consistent with age. One of the attendant leaf on the underside has an old minute chip to its edge. There is a tiny nick to the pointed end of the cup and a few other minor old bruises or nicks around the cup rim, but overall the cup is in very good condition and bears a fine patina.
"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."

Rhinoceros horn carvings of water vessels, as opposed to libation cups, are rare, although a water container from the collection of Mr. Michael de Salys Longchamps is illustrated in Thomas Fok,  Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 165, no. 114, where it is described as fashioned to resemble a halved fruit with a rugged rind. Compare also a loquat leaf-form shallow vessel, from the collection of Nils Nessim, sold in our New York rooms, 26th/27th February 1981, lot 319, and again in our London rooms, 18th November 1998, lot 826. The undulating and elegant form of the rim, as well as the overall shape of the Nessim collection vessel closely resemble that seen on the present piece, suggesting the possibility that the two are the product of the same workshop.  Even the thick veining of the leaves, found on the base of the two vessels, and the gnarled branches forming the handles, are closely related in style.

For examples of washers of different form, see a double-gourd form vessel, finely carved with delicate curling tendrils and leaves growing down the side and extending over the lip into the smooth interior, sold in these rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1619; and another plain gourd shaped washer, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 59, together with a plain measuring scoop of similar double-gourd shape, pl. 55.