清十七至十八世紀 犀角雕松樁盃

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."

犀角雕松樹紋飾盃已見數例，Jan Chapman 《The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China》，倫敦，1999年，圖版229，筆者提到一例松樹紋飾的犀角盃，愛爾蘭都柏林賈斯特比替圖書館藏。匠人巧奪天工，背景留白，松樹針葉繁茂，栩栩如生。葉義醫生舊藏一件，見葉義《Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings》，亞洲國際藝術古董展，香港，1982年，圖版。仇焱之及仇大雄藏一件類似犀角盃， 2011年4月8日於香港蘇富比拍賣，編號2724。另可比一例 estate of Nils Nessim 舊藏，售於紐約佳士得2010年3月25日，編號819；以及一例售於倫敦佳士得2009年5月12日，編號29。

犀角盃表面雕刻的松樹樹皮紋飾盡顯精湛工藝，文人學士賞之，取其松樹延年之意。