Coupe libatoire en corne de rhinocéros sculptée China, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)

le pourtour sculpté en haut-relief de dix-huit lettrés dans un paysage rocheux planté de bananiers, d'un prunier et d'autres arbres, deux grands pins formant l'anse, les dignitaires engagés dans diverses activités, debout en conversation, disputant une partie de go, à cheval abrité d'un grand éventail porté par un serviteur ou encore assis devisant à une table sur la terrasse d'un pavillon, la corne d'une belle teinte caramel ambré

This piece is in very good condition with the exception of two sections of restoration to the rim, one 2.5cm by 0.6cm and the other an old 0.6cm by 0.2cm restoration; the loss of a leg of a horse, to the face of the boy behind the horse on one side; a tiny loss of the eye of one to the right on the other side; a small loss to the face of the central figure on one end; some tiny chips to the rim and foot; and small age cracks to the foot. Please note that the cup is of a slightly deeper tone than illustrated in the 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."

The present finely carved cup depicts the eighteen scholars of the Tang dynasty who are usually placed around the vessel against a rocky background. It is said that the eighteen learned men were selected by the Tang Emperor Taizong shortly after he ascended to the throne in 627 from the most able and talented scholars in the empire. Taizong established an academy on the palace grounds for them so that they could be near him and advise him when needed. 

The same historical subject matter can be found on a cup, in the Durham University Oriental Museum, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 206, pl. 283. Another rhinoceros horn vessel depicting the eighteen literati in a landscape setting, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 147. Compare also a cup finely carved with a scene of a scholarly gathering, from the collection of Mr. Michael de Salys Longchamps, included in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 146, similarly attributed to the 17th century as the present piece.