AN ARCHAISTIC RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, LATE 17TH / EARLY 18TH CENTURY

intricately carved in shallow relief around the exterior with a central band featuring two descending bats decorated with archaistic scrolling motifs, reserved on a detailed keyfret diaper ground, above a row of upright lappets, below a T-scroll border at the rim, the S-shaped handle with a clamoring qilong biting at the rim, confronting a smaller qilong situated inside the smoothly-carved interior, supported on a splayed waisted foot, the base with a four-character seal mark of the artist Yuan Shangqing Zhi ('Made by Yuan Shangqing') within a square, of reddish-chestnut color with a dark brown foot

The vessel is in good overall condition with the exception of a chip on the foot rim 3/8 inch wide. There is a small circular hole on the handle corresponding to the upper tail of the qilong that is associated with an incomplete hole on the vessel -- both are very likely due to a weakness or nerve original to the horn. Both long sides of the mouth rim with miniscule nibbles. One side of the bottom of the handle with a small worm bore and small shallow nibbles.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 141, there are four known cups by Yuan Shangqing. A rare ewer and cover illustrated op.cit., p. 141, bearing a dingwei cyclical date that Chapman attributes to either 1667 or 1727, provides a clue as to the artist's dates. A libation cup bearing the four-character seal mark of Yuan Shangqing was sold in our London rooms, 24th April 1987, lot 285.