A SMALL 'CHILONG AND LOTUS' RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

the triangular shaped cup formed from a furled lotus leaf with incised veins set with three high-relief chilong emerging from the swirling waters skirting the foot and scuttling around the exterior, the interior incised with further veining, the horn of dark brown tone

Collection of George Hendley, New York.
Sotheby's New York, 17th April 1985, lot 135.
Collection of Franklin Chow.

The overall condition is very good.
"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 low and rounded mound shape of the cup indicates that it was made using the horn from a Sumatran rhinoceros. Judging from the size of the vessel, the carver has used an entire posterior horn. The rounded base of the cup is incised with waves that rise and swell from below. Three animated dragons are depicted sporting in the waves.

See a related cup in the form of a folding lotus leaf carved with dragons of various sizes, some amongst waves depicted around the base of the vessel, formerly in the Arthur M. Sackler collection, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 47; and another cup of similar shape, in the collection of Harvard University Art Museums, depicting divine creatures amongst waves rising up from the base, ibid., pl. 37.