A RARE 'PINE AND RABBIT' RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

carved in high relief and openwork with two gnarled pine trees with branches wrapped around the sides, set with a rabbit crouched beneath a full moon and wispy clouds overhead, the interior mouth carved with branches overhanging the lip, the horn of rich chestnut patina

John Sparks, London, 1978.
Collections of Edward T. Chow and Franklin Chow.

Craving for Carvings: Rhinoceros Horn from the Chow Collection, Asian Civilizations Museum, Singapore, 2003, cat. no. fc30.

Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 170.

The overall condition is very good with only a small insect hole on the mouth rim and a vertical split in the openwork-carved horn at the end of the clouds. The foot has a very minute age crack.
"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."

This cup is finely carved and the modelling, especially that of the hare gazing up at the moon which is half hidden behind swirling night clouds, is imbued with elegance and vitality.  Edward Chow refers to it in his notes as diaogong canglao, wanzheng wu shang, diaogong huayi xi shao ('the carving has age, it is in perfect condition with no damage, the design is poetic and sparse'). 

The hare seen on this cup is gazing up at the moon which is half hidden behind the night clouds. The theme depicted here is likely to be associated with the God of Moon, Yuelao, or with the hare's relationship with the moon. According to ancient legends, the hare lived on the moon with Chang'e, the Goddess of the Moon, spending its days mixing the elixir of life in a mortar to make the pill of immortality so that Chang'e could return to earth to see her lover. There was also a belief that the hare is impregnated through gazing at the moon, suggesting that vessels decorated with this motif were made as marital gifts with the wish for many descendants.