A CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN 'EIGHT IMMORTALS' LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

of oval section with flaring sides, carved to the exterior in high-relief with Shoulao riding a crane flying above a recumbent deer, flanked on the sides by the Eight Daoist Immortals standing on linked ruyi cloud scrolls, the horn of chocolate tone

The cup has two triangular (0.5 x 0.3cm and 1 x 0.5cm) chips, a circa 2.5cm horizontal scratch and various age cracks with associated nibbling along the rim. The horn is of a slightly richer and brighter tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

A number of rhinoceros horn cups, carved with the popular 'Eight Daoist Immortals' motif, can be found in important museums and private collections. For example see one in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pls. 270-272, where the author discusses the theme and significance of this design. Another related cup, in the collection of the Osaka Municipal Museum, Osaka, is included ibid., pl. 266; and a third, from the collection of Thomas Fok, is published in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 82. The Fok cup was previously sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 1^st June 1994, lot 161.

Compare also a cup carved in high relief and in openwork around the sloping sides of the vessel with Shoulao riding a crane and the Eight Immortals around the exterior of the vessel, each bearing an attribute, offered at Christie's Hong Kong, 30^th May 2006, lot 1504.