A FINELY CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN 'BIRD AND FLOWERS' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

the exterior carved to resemble a craggy garden rock surrounded by roses bushes with large blossoms and rosehips and a daylily, with a large undercut flowering hibiscus at one end forming the handle, the gnarly branches laden with open blossoms and buds, extending into and spreading across the rim forming a perch for a bird, the horn of a rich reddish brown color, wood stand

Acquired in London, 1982.

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

Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 140, no.91.
World Journal, New York, 30th March 2003, p. 23.

There is an old chip (approx. 1cm) to the rim above the bird's head that has been restored, as well as a minute restored chip to the tip of the petal of the hibiscus flower on the rim next to it, but overall the rhinoceros horn 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. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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 carving of this rhinoceros horn cup is impressive for its creative composition that combines a number of design elements in a pleasingly balanced manner. The decoration is rich yet not overpowering which is a testament to the carver’s skillful use of his material. In the shape of a rock, the cup is densely fashioned with flowers, blooms and leafy branches and furthermore, the artist has added an element of surprise in the form of a bird perched on a branch under the inner rim. Flora and fauna are carved in a fine and naturalistic manner, while the bird is playful and eye-catching.

The hibiscus bush seen on this cup is reminiscent of a prunus tree design on a cup, in the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, fig. 215; and another vessel , also in Dublin, included in Jan Chapman, ‘The Chester Beatty Collection of Chinese Carved Rhinoceros Horn Cups’, Arts of Asia, May-June 1982, fig. 5, p. 74.