grande coupe libatoire en corne de rhinoceros sculptée Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

en forme d'une paroi rocheuse plantée d'arbres fruitiers, le pourtour en trois dimensions à décor de rinceaux de pêches, vignes, lychee, loquats et grenades, des branches noueuses de lingzhi formant la base, l'interieur sculpté en relief des deux caractères auspicieux fu

A crack (approx. 2.5 cm) secured to the rim beneath the left "Fu" symbol (showing on the illustration), an old L-shape patched repair (approx 4 x 3) to the rear of the cup rim (showing left of the lychee on the detail illustration in the catalogue), otherwise in good condition. The horn is of an impressive size and bears a fine patina.
"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 present piece is notable for its impressive size and carefully composed design of fruit, the skilfully carved rounded forms accentuating the high-quality of the horn. Rhinoceros horn cups are frequently found decorated with various types of fruit; however it is rare to find examples adorned with the eclectic combination as seen on the present piece. Compare a similarly composed and carved example, but of slightly smaller size and depicting clusters of pomegranates, plums and lychees and a gnarled stalk to form the pierced base, offered in our Hong Kong rooms, 19^th November 1986, lot 330. For a slightly smaller rhinoceros horn cup with a fruiting grape vine, see one sold at Christie's New York, 22^nd March 2007, lot 154; and another sold at Christie's London, 7^th November 2006, lot 45. See Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pls. 220-228 for examples similarly decorated with fruit, including lychees (pl. 223) and loquats (pl. 224).

The motif of fruiting branches represents fertility and the wish for many children, and the combination with the two fu characters for riches and blessings would have made this piece appropriate as a marriage gift.