- 3054
A RARE RHINOCEROS HORN BELT BUCKLE 17TH CENTURY
Estimate
500,000 - 800,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- Rhinoceros horn, jade
of rectangular outline, carved with a dragon emerging from swirling waters capped with forthy waves, the well-formed dragon's head extending beyond the edge on one side, all surrounding a rectangular white jade plaque set in the centre, the short sides pierced with a slotted opening for attachment, the horn shading from light amber to brown
Provenance
Acquired in New York, 2009.
Condition
The belt buckle is overall in good condition with only some old wear/bruise to one of the corners on top. The jade inlay was added later.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Garment accessories carved in rhinoceros horn are extremely rare and the present finely fashioned belt buckle appears to be the only example known from this group of utilitarian pieces. The carving of the dragon is skillfully executed with the lines of the tumultuous waves expertly incised giving the composition a sense of movement and life.
For examples of rhinoceros horn accessories, see a dragon form belt hook, attributed to the Qianlong period, in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 181; and a small flint container carved with the same 'dragon and wave' motif, in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 109.
For examples of rhinoceros horn accessories, see a dragon form belt hook, attributed to the Qianlong period, in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 181; and a small flint container carved with the same 'dragon and wave' motif, in the collection of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 109.