AN UNUSUAL RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

in the form of an open flower, the interior naturalistically carved with overlapping petals, the exterior finely executed with a scene of birds in a rocky landscape, including a pair of phoenixes on one side amidst bamboo and blossoming prunus, the reverse further carved with a crane standing atop craggy rockwork with its mate flying above, while a pair of mandarin ducks swim in a nearby pond below a flying wagtail, the handle carved in the form of two tree branches upon which two orioles perch, with two leaves growing over the rim into the interior

There is a 1/8 inch chip to the prunus flower petal and the tip of one branch may have chipped off. There are some very minoir chips to the mouthrim. In very good overall condition.
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 Terese Tse Bartholomew in Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 161, the combination of the phoenix, cranes, mandarin ducks, wagtails, and orioles as shown on the present lot symbolizes the 'Picture of the Five Relationships' (wulun tu). The phoenix represents the relationship between a ruler and his officials; the crane denotes the relationship between a father and son; the mandarin ducks embody the relationship between a husband and wife; the wagtail stands for the relationship between brothers; and the orioles signify the relationship between friends.

For a similar rhinoceros horn libation cup, see Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 187.