A LARGE CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

the horn of dark amber tone, finely carved around the exterior with a scholar in a mountainous landscape, an old gnarled and knotted pine tree forming the handle

This finely carved cup is in very good condition with the exception of a shallow circa 1cm., flake to the top edge of a branch forming the handle, a similar 5mm chip to another brach extending around the rim of the vessel, a 5 x 10mm oval area of rubbing to the underside of the rim to the front of the vessel, and very minor hairline age lines running up to the rim.
"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 rhinoceros horn cup is notable for its meticulously carved scene, and exemplifies the dexterity of Qing dynasty craftsmen. The combination of trees modelled in the round, as seen on the tree-shaped handle, and smooth surfaces with the finely textured details of the leaves create a richly ornate and aesthetically pleasing piece. Carvings of this type are influenced by painted handscrolls as the design extends from one side to the other and can be appreciated by turning the cup as though unrolling a painting. See a similarly carved cup depicting a scholar and acolyte in a landscape, sold in our New York rooms, 21^st September 2006, lot 2; another sold at Christie's New York, 1^st June 1990, lot 86; and a third example, in the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Harvard University, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 131.