A SMALL 'EIGHT IMMORTALS' RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

delicately carved in the outline of a lotus petal, with a recumbent deer gazing up as Shoulao descends on a crane, flanked by the 'Eight Immortals' each holding their respective attributes, and standing on a ring of swirling clouds that spirals outwards from the centre of the base to form an openwork footring, the horn of a rich reddish-brown colour, wood stand

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 1st June 1994, lot 161.

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collection in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2003-2005.

Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 130, no. 82.

There is some expected age wear to the carved decoration, and minor nicks to some of the Immortal's respective attribute but overall the libation cup is in very good condition.
"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 finely carved rhinoceros horn libation cup is unusual for its elegant lotus-petal shape and for the depiction of the 'Eight Immortals' against an undecorated plain ground, that allows the figures to be highlighted while giving the composition a sense of space and an impressive three-dimensional effect. The workmanship is also noteworthy for the realistic and animated depiction of much of the details, especially the facial expressions of the 'Eight Immortals' and Shoulao, the God of Longevity, riding on his crane. Despite the prominence of the figures and animals, the overall composition is masterly spaced. Interestingly, each figure is standing on a stylised cloud of different elevation, yet the carver has skillfully joined each cloud together to form a stylish ring-foot for the vessel.    

A larger cup decorated with the same theme of the Eight Daoist Immortals, from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, is illustrated by Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, figs. 270-272, together with another vessel of this type, in the Osaka Municipal Museum, Osaka, pl. 266. See also a rhinoceros horn cup sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 15; and one sold in these rooms, 8th April 2009, lot 1688.