AN INSCRIBED RHINOCEROS HORN 'RIVER LANDSCAPE' LIBATION CUP BY SHENG FUGONG, 17TH CENTURY

of conical form, the flaring sides tapering to a rounded square base, carved around the exterior in high relief with a continuous riverscape detailed with figures engaging in various activities, including two inside a pavilion, another holding an umbrella and walking near a bridge, another looking out a pavilion and conversing with a fisherman standing on a boat and holding two fish, the stream flowing tortuously through jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops cascading into the countersunk underside of the foot, one end of the horn set with an openwork handle formed by the gnarled wutong tree trunks twisting through the pierced crevices, surmounted by pine tree trunks with branches extending over the rim and onto the interior bearing clusters of pine blossoms, inscribed on the rock face of the cliff close to the front lip in cursive script with a poetic phrase reading de yu gu jiu zui jiang tian ('acquired the fish, bought the alcohol, and get drunk by the river under the sky'), followed by the signature Fugong in seal script, the horn richly patinated to a rich toffee tone darkening to a deep brown colour on the carved underside

A private American collection, acquired prior to 1955, and thence by descent to the current owner.

There are typical age cracks, as expected, and general surface wear and minor bruises, but overall the cup is in 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."

Compare another cup also signed Sheng Fugong, with a similar treatment of pine trees and cliffs, previously in the collection of Thomas Fok and later sold in these rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 3153, illustrated in Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, cat. no. 160; also in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 152. According to the inscription, it is believed that it was once in the collection of Zhou Wenshu, another eminent rhinoceros horn carver active in the late Ming dynasty.