A FIGURAL LANDSCAPE RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the tall horn carved on the exterior with a continuous landscape with three figures in front of a walled compound along the banks of a turbulent body of water looking at a dragon on the opposite side, the opposite bank with trees and small huts all partially concealed by wispy clouds, one end of the horn set with a openwork handle formed by the trunk of a pine tree and the body of a climbing dragon twisting his way through the cliffs and clouds and breaking through to the interior of the cup, the horn of auburn tone

Collection of Franklin Chow (purchased in Munich, 1978).

The overall condition is quite good with only the two whiskers of the dragon each missing a small section, a polished 3 x 2 cm section on the interior to probably an insect hole that does not emerge through to the exterior. The base has a 4.5 cm diameter patch that has been added to the foot carved with rocks. The patch may have been done around the time of carving or shortly thereafter. The mouth appears to have been slightly reduced. The front end of the rim (opposite the dragon) has a 1.5 cm V-shaped reduction that has been cleverly incorporated into the design of the vessel.
"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.
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Although rhinoceros horn cups decorated with figures in a landscape are readily found, the present vessel is distinctive for its carving of a large, ferocious scaly dragon forming the handle. The combination of figural landscape and dragon motif makes this vessel unique with no other similar example recorded. The huge mythical animal is depicted climbing up the side of the cup and is peering over the lip. In the continuous landscape scene of rocks, water, trees, pavilions seen through swirling clouds there are three figures: a young boy accompanied by two elderly gentlemen both pointing to the dragon. The dragon in this design is a reference to the well known story of the old dragon teaching its young (canglong jiaozi); a story that came to represent the elderly official teaching his son how to succeed him and his wish for his boy to carry on his official position for generations to come.

Acquired in 1978, this cup was Franklin Chow's first addition to the Chow collection of horn carvings. The carving is meticulously executed, even the base is fashioned after the surface of a rock. The dragon brings a sense of surprise and vitality to the modelling which is imbued with elegance. The carver has skilfully undertaken the technical challenge of weaving the body of the dragon in and out between the pine tree and the clouds. It is an exceptionally fine cup with a charming subject matter – perhaps made as a gift from father to son. 

Large scaly dragons are commonly depicted amongst waves, a reference to one passing the civil service examination when the carp, swimming upstream, transforms into a dragon. For examples of carvings with the 'dragon and wave' design see a cup with a vigorous scaly dragon carved as the handle, in the collection of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, included in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999. pl. 234. Another vessel depicting a dragon weaving in and out of a pine tree trunk, not dissimilar to that seen on this piece, in the collection of Dora Wong, is also published ibid., pl. 235.

For examples of vessels decorated with a figural landscape see four illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pls 145-148, from the Qing Court collection and all attributed to the early Qing period.