A Carved Rhinoceros Horn 'Cranes, Pine and Bamboo' Libation Cup Qing Dynasty, 17th / 18th Century

deftly carved in low relief on the exterior with a pair of confronting cranes, one standing, the other perched on a gnarled pine tree, the reverse with a third crane combing its feathers with its beak, all amongst lingzhi, leafy bamboo and pine trees in a continuous craggy landscape, the horn of a warm honey brown tone

Sotheby's Amsterdam, 22nd October 1996, lot 448.

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth - Gems of Antiquities Collections in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2003-2005, no. 115.

The mouthrim has probably been slightly polished down. The overall condition is otherwise quite good, except for some typical age cracks, especially to the base.
"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."

This elegant libation cup is full of auspicious symbolism. Cranes are generally associated with Shoulao, the God of Immortality who is often depicted riding on the back of a crane, the evergreen pine tree symbolises longevity, as it is known to live for a long time, and the lingzhi fungus represents the wish for eternal life.

Compare two cups decorated with cranes sold in these rooms, the first sold, 8th April 2011, lot 2722, from the collection of Edward T. Chow and Franklin Chow and published in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 144, and the second, 13th May 1988, lot 491. See also a cup carved with various birds from the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of the Rhinoceros Horn Carving of China, London, 1999, pl. 253; and another sold at Christie’s New York , 22nd March 2012, lot 1690.