AN ARCHAISTIC 'CHILONG' RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

of truncated conical form, carved round the exterior with a band of stylised dragons, one end accented with two writhing chilong undercut to form the handle, all supported on a low pedestal foot, the footring surrounding a two-character mark in seal script reading Yunfu, the horn of a deep honey colour, wood stand

Sotheby's New York, 3rd June 1982, lot 329.

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. 78, no. 31.

There was probably at some stage an old shallow flake on the exterior of the mouthrim in front that has been smoothly polished, but overall the 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 significance and meaning of the inscription on the base 'yunfu' remains a matter of debate, however, the two characters may be translated as 'the distinguished man of taste and culture', which possibly refers to the owner of the vessel.The present cup is both delightful and elegant for its delicate size, fine carving and use of beautiful light yellow-honey toned horn. Rhinoceros horn cups carved with the combination of archaistic decoration and mythological creatures were highly favoured for their association and reference to ancient artefacts historically collected by the nobility in China. The fashion for archaism in the Song dynasty resulted in the production of pattern manuals and books which contained designs that were widely copied on works of art in different media. The carving of the two chilong entwined to form the handle is also imaginative and playful. The larger clutching at the rim with its head peering into the cup is depicted with a lively expression, bringing a sense of movement and strength to the composition. While no other similar example appears to be recorded, this cup is reminiscent of a slightly larger vessel, carved in low relief with a central archaistic design band and with a baby chilong clambering up the vessel alongside an adult chilong reaching up with its sinuous body to bite at the edge of the rim, from the Kenyon V. Painter collection, sold in our New York rooms, 18th September 2007, lot 6.

The beautiful light colouration of the cup suggests that it is made of a horn of considerable age. Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 60, notes that the yellow and honey colours are probably the result of the natural ageing process of the horn and some of the earliest known carvings are described as being of this colour. Furthermore, carvings of this type of horn are almost invariably associated with the best quality carving.