A RARE AND UNUSUAL PETAL-RIMMED RHINOCEROS HORN FOOTED BOWL QING DYNASTY

the rounded sides rising from a broad base to a ten-lobed frilled rim, all supported on five short splayed feet, the horn of a light honey color shading to black at the center, the base later incised and gilt-infilled with a four-character mark

The cup appears to be in 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.

Apart from the petal-rim, which is the most striking feature of this lot, there is no surface decoration. To create the petal-rim, the horn is first carved into a bowl shape and then the rim soaked in hot water until it softens enough to be manipulated into the desired shape. It is then left to dry and harden. Rhinoceros horn carvings with undecorated surfaces are rare. The unadorned surface on the present lot, shows off to good effect the subtle grain, color and unusual shape of the bowl.

A similar bowl with eight lobes, also with an incised and gilt-infilled four-character mark, dated to the Qianlong period, in the Gerard Levy Collection, Paris is illustrated by Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pp. 147 and 244. On page 244, the author notes that this form is 'almost certainly a copy of a jade piece and shows the ultra-sophisticated taste of Qianlong'.

A rare example of a plain rhinoceros horn bowl, dated to the 17th / 18th century was sold in these rooms on 27th November 1990, lot 58.