AN IMPERIAL RHINOCEROS HORN HAIRPIN MING DYNASTY

carved with a curved bulbous head, gently tapering to a pointed tip, the side inscribed with the characters gong (palace) and shier (twelve), the material darkening from an amber color to dark brown towards the tip

Acquired from a European collection in 1992.

The hairpin is in good condition. There are some traces of old gilding inside the engraved mark.
"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."

A horn of considerable size and length would have been required to create the present undecorated yet elegant hairpin. Hairpins carved in rhinoceros horn are extremely rare, although the three characters Gong shier (Palace Twelve) suggest that they were made for use in the palace and possibly belonged to one of the court ladies. 

A shorter hairpin with a plum-blossom finial, dated to the 17th century, in the collection of the Shanghai Museum, is illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 246, no. 184; and another rhinoceros horn hairpin delicately carved and pierced in high relief with budding and blossoming prunus branches, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2010, lot 1829.