AN IMPRESSIVE CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN 'FIGURAL LANDSCAPE' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

well carved around the exterior with a continuous landscape depicting a fisherman and attendant angling from a barge on a stream, the reverse with a man holding a basket, all set in a dramatic landscape below overhanging cliffs issuing verdant trees, two intricately carved pines extending in openwork on one side forming the handles and perking through the cliff towards further rockwork issuing a lingzhi on the interior, the horn richly patinated to a chocolate-brown colour at the foot transmuting to a warm amber tone towards the rim

The libation cup is in overall good condition. There is an approx 3 cm replacement plug on the base filling a hole and carved with waves to simulate a stream. There are some age cracks, a few tiny chips and some insect eaten holes to the interior rim, the largest approx 0.7 cm. The patina of the horn is rich and particularly attractive.
"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."

Deftly carved with a fisherman in a riverscape, rhinoceros horn cups decorated with figural scenes were inspired by painted handscrolls, whereby the continuous scene was ‘unravelled’ as the cup was turned.

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.