Coupe libatoire en corne de rhinocéros Chine, Dynastie Qing, XVII-XVIIIE siècle

délicatement sculptée sur le pourtour extérieur de personnages dans une scène lacustre continue et de pins débordant sur la bordure et à l'intérieur de la coupe 

Overall good condition. An age crack opening in front of the cup by the rim approx 4cm x 5mm. A section of the pine tree chipped on the inside with another small section reglued. A repair to the rim at the rear of the cup. The horn bearing 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."

This large carved rhinoceros libation cup is decorated with a continuous landscape scene which shows the influence of painted handscrolls. While similarly decorated libation cups more commonly depict idealized scholars and their attendants in arcadian landscapes of rocks, trees and water, the scenes often based on literary models, some examples also figure working people such as the present example. It is noteworthy that it belongs to a group of large libation cups profusely decorated with landscapes and water scenery where the artist has made full use of the groove found on the long curve of most horns to fashion a protrusion rather than a handle thus overriding any desire for functionalism. For comparable pieces, see Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving, London, 1999, figs. 77, and Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pls. 149 and 162.