A RHINOCEROS HORN 'PINE' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH - 18TH CENTURY

the flared body well carved on one side in openwork with gnarled branches forming the handle, rendered issuing twigs extending across the knotted and burled vessel and bearing prunus blossoms, the patina of a warm reddish-brown colour

As visible in the catalogue photos, there are minor chips to the fragile extremities, including the pine blossoms and branches, the most severe measuring approx. 2 cm to a prunus branch at the rim and approx. 2.5 cm to a branch on the exterior. There are also some stabilised areas, more notably to the rim above the handle. There are also age cracks and crackles and few insect holes as consistent with age.
"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."

For examples of rhinoceros horn cups decorated with the pine motif see one in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, included in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 229, where the craftsman has used both a plain background and a small area of bark background against which a life-like pine branch with numerous needles is portrayed. Compare also a cup from the collection of Dr. Ip Yee, published in 'Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings', International Asian Antiques Fair, Hong Kong, 1982, pl. 38; one, from the collections of Edward T. Chow and Franklin Chow, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 2724; another sold at Christie's New York, 25th March 2010, lot 819, from the estate of Nils Nessim, Stockholm; and one sold at Christie's London, 12th May 2009, lot 29.

The exterior surface of the vessel is carved with the scales of the bark of a mature pine tree. It shows the high level of care and skill of its maker. Objects decorated with pine tree were invariably made for the scholar-literati who appreciated the vessel not only for its form but for what the pine tree symbolises: longevity.