AN ARCHAISTIC RHINOCEROS HORN 'CHILONG' LIBATION CUP MING DYNASTY

well patinated and carved with a quatrefoil rim tapering to an oval splayed foot, the exterior decorated in low relief with a frieze of taotie masks against a diapered ground below a key-fret band, one side of the vessel with three clambering chilong, the reverse with a handle modelled as two sinuous chilong, one depicted clambering onto the interior, facing a further mythical beast on the other side, the base with an apocryphal two-character Xuanhe seal mark

The cup is in overall good condition. There are tiny nicks and losses to the edges of the fragile extremities, including the rim and the jaw of the chilong below the spout (the largest measuring approx 2 cm to the inner footring). There are also typical age cracks and possibly insect holes.
"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."

The seal on the base reads Xuanhe, which is the reign mark of Emperor Huizhong of the 12th century; the penultimate ruler of the Northern Song dynasty. Huizhong was a keen collector and connoisseur of arts and is known to have sent his officials all around the country to find pieces for his imperial collection. The Xuanhe reign mark can be found on a number of rhinoceros horn vessels which are discussed by Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pp. 217-224. Chapman notes that the seal was widely used on examples of decorative art from later periods in Chinese history.