清初約1650-1720年 犀角雕「梅樹花開」圖盃 《直生》《尤侃》款

the chestnut-coloured horn carved in the form of an irregularly shaped prunus trunk, the exterior carved in high relief with gnarled knots of the bark and with the handle formed by two branches extending from the back and wrapping around the sides issuing prunus blossoms and buds, the branches continuing on the interior overhanging from the back rim, the small shallow cup on the interior carved in the outline of a prunus flower bordered by the thick walls around the rim, the foot carved with two seals of the artist reading Zhi Sheng and You Kan, the surface with a lustrous patina

香港蘇富比1985年5月22日，編號281
仇大雄收藏

《Craving for Carvings: Rhinoceros Horn from the Chow Collection》，亞洲文明博物館，新加坡，2003年，編號FC37

霍滿棠，《中國犀角雕刻珍賞》，香港，1999年，圖版112

The long branch that extends into the interior has some loss, probably insect eaten. There is a small area (2mm) to one branch on the interior that has been filled in with wax. The overall condition is very good with a deep chestnut patina.
"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."

Amongst the more than two dozen rhinoceros horn cups known by the master carver You Kan (active c. 1650-1720) this cup is especially attractive for the fine carving of the exterior surface with prunus blossoms and the interior, which is unusually elaborate, having a small delineated 'well' area with a low rim. The carving itself is deep and bold with an impressive three-dimensionality to the composition.  You's wish to add his two seals, one round and one square on the base, possibly reflects his confidence in this work.

You's works are well known and documented – there are more pieces bearing his name than that of any other rhinoceros horn carver recorded. Jan Chapman in The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pp. 139-40, mentions that he was a Palace carver active in the early Qing period. He was extremely versatile with his designs and his techniques described as careful and conscientious with an emphasis on realism especially when depicting flowers and animals. The sophistication of his work is expressed in the skilful use of the material and in the spacing of the design which frequently takes advantage of the organic form and fibrous inclusions of the material. This is evident in the present cup, where the exterior of the horn represents the tree bark that, apart from being polished, is left in its natural form.

For examples of works by You see a cup, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated ibid., pl. 250, formerly in the collection of Dr. Ip Yee, decorated with chicken; one sold in our New York rooms, 14th September 2011, lot 178, carved with hawks; a figural cup in the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, published ibid., pl. 296; and a tall beaker form cup with high foot and dragon handles, in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, mentioned ibid., p. 139 and stock no. 27.40a. The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, has two signed cups by You, one illustrated ibid., pl. 347, with a praying mantis on a lotus leaf; and a water dropper in the Shanghai Museum is included in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 101.

For examples of rhinoceros horn cups decorated with the prunus design see one, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 49; another sold at Christie's London, 12th May 2009, lot 28; and one sold in our Los Angeles rooms, 12th November 1981, lot 220.