十七世紀 犀角雕「竹溪六逸」圖盃 《天成》款（傳）鮑天成派製

the tightly grained horn of rich reddish-brown colour deepening towards the foot, finely carved with a continuous figural landscape depicting the ‘Six Hermits of the Bamboo Stream’ in a mountainous retreat of jagged cliffs lined with verdant trees, a contorted pine twisting its way below an arched rock and further extending onto the interior to form the handle on one side, the horn later inscribed with a two-character seal Tiancheng on a rock beside one of the figures near the foot

Ralph M. Chait，紐約，1978年
仇焱之及仇大雄收藏

《Craving for Carvings: Rhinoceros Horn from the Chow Collection》，亞洲文明博物館，新加坡，2003年，編號FC63

霍滿棠，《中國犀角雕刻珍賞》，香港，1999年，圖版152

The libation cup is in overall very good condition with only typical old small chips (especially to the pine trees) minute dents and minor age crackles. The polish is very good.
"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."

Edward T. Chow, in his notes on this cup, suggests that it is by the hand of a renowned master artisan for its fine carving and attractive translucent material. He further praises the piece for its exceptional condition. Jan Chapman suggests that the seal incised on the rock beside one of the figures on the front of the vessel, bearing the two characters Tiancheng, referring to the Ming dynasty master carver Bao Tiancheng, was added at a later date. The inspiration of this cup may have come from one of Bao's works or is by the hand of a carver from Bao's school.

The finely carved figural scene on this piece reflects its maker's exceptional skill, showing his diligence in paying close attention to the smallest detail, such as the seven figures' facial expressions and the fold of their garments and the beautiful landscape filled with lush trees providing an ideal setting. The figures are most probably the seven men known as the 'Seven Worthies or Sages of the Bamboo Grove', a group of distinguished scholar-officials of the late 3rd century who decided to turn their back on politics and their official duties and live in the seclusion of a bamboo grove where they pursued their interest in music, literature, poetry and wine. 

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.