A FINELY CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN 'LANDSCAPE' LIBATION CUP 17TH CENTURY

of conical form, the flaring sides tapering to a hollowed oval base, carved around the exterior in high relief with a continuous riverscape detailed with figures engaging in various activities, including one holding a qin crossing a bridge, two standing beside a pavilion, another riding on a horse with an attendant following behind, all amongst jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops with pine and wutong trees, one end of the horn set with an openwork handle formed by the gnarled pine tree trunks twisting through the pierced crevices, surmounted by pine tree trunks with branches extending over the rim and onto the interior, the horn richly patinated to a rich toffee tone darkening to a deep brown colour on the carved underside, wood stand

The libation cup is in overall good condition. There are some expected minute nicks and shallow chips to the fragile extremities on the exterior, including the branches and leaves. A section of the rim has been reduced and repolished possibly to conceal earlier nicks. There are also typical age cracks and insect holes as consistent with its age and type.
"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."

Two rhinoceros horn cups similarly carved with figures in a craggy landscape were sold in our London rooms, the first, from the collection of Marcel Lorber, 24th April 1987, lot 281, and the second, 29th October 1982, lot 94; another cup was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3793; and a further cup was sold in our New York rooms, 28th February 1980, lot 67.