A RHINOCEROS HORN 'EGRETS AND LOTUS' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

meticulously carved in the form of a furled lotus leaf, the undercut handle formed on one side in openwork with intertwining stems issuing lotus buds, pods and leaves enveloping the vessel, the exterior carved with several egrets in flight and perched on the undulating stems, the horn of a warm dark brown tone lightening around the rim, the interior accentuated with veins, wood stand

An approx. 1.5cm section of the stem at the foot at the foot has been broken off and lost. A 1.5 cm area at the reverse has been cracked. There are age cracks to the foot on three of the stems. There are minor chips to the birds below the rim. Other surface wear and shallow chips at the mouthrim.
"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."

Carved with a charming scene of egrets amongst lotuses and reeds, a sense of naturalism has been achieved through the gently twisting leaves and different poses of the birds, which also reveal the carver’s familiarity with his subject. This cup is full of auspicious symbolism: the egret (lu), with its distinctive white feathers, is often associated with old age. When depicted with a lotus (lian) and reeds (lu), it forms the wish ‘may you pass your exams all the way’ (lulu lianke).

A related rhinoceros horn cup, in the collection of Mrs Angela Chua, is illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 113; one carved with birds was sold in our London rooms, 13th May 1988, lot 491; another, in the Museum voor Volkenkunde, is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 83; and a fourth was sold in our London rooms, 13th May 1988, lot 485.