- 76
A FINE RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH/18TH CENTURY
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
the horn of warm honey tone, finely carved around the exterior with a scholar and his horse at rest in a rocky landscape, an old gnarled pine tree forming the handle
Condition
This finely carved vessel is in very good overall condition with the exception of a 5mm flake to the exterior edge of the rim, a light area of rubbing to a circa 2.5cm., wide section of the rim (above the resting scholar) and some very light hairline age cracks in particular extending uop from the foot.
The base has a Wanli four-character mark.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Skilfully carved in high-relief, the charm of the present piece lies in the naturalistic depiction of the scholar who stands deep in thought while hunched over the trunk of a gnarled pine tree with his head propped up on his folded arms. This sensitive rendering of the figure, which is also seen in the horse that rests on the other side of the cup, contrasts effectively with their rocky landscape setting. Rhinoceros horn cups carved with a single figure and horse are relatively rare; see one decorated with several horses and figures beside a stream, in the collection of Thomas Fok, illustrated in Thomas Fok, ibid., pl. 168; and another example sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 2007, lot 374.