十七世紀 犀角雕福壽高昇三龍盃

of conical form, deftly carved on the exterior in high relief with three long-horned chilong, each with a sinuous body terminating in a bifurcated tail, clambering amongst leafy bamboo and stems bearing clusters of large lingzhi, the base formed from further large lingzhi heads in openwork, extended upwards on one side forming a double handle of intertwined bamboo and lingzhi with a fourth chilong perched atop, the beast clambering over the rim onto the interior of the vessel skilfully rendered with angled contours to suggest a lingzhi, the glossy patina of a chestnut-brown colour, wood stand

There are expected minor chips to the rim of the cup, including one with a restored section measuring approx. 0.8 by 0.8 cm. There are also minor chips to edges and extremities, including the leaves, lingzhi and one chilong's horn on the exterior. There are also insect holes and age cracks 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."

A cup similarly carved with chilong among lingzhi and bamboo stalks was sold in our New York rooms, 10th/11th April 1986, lot 295, and again in these rooms, 7th October 2006, lot 911; two were sold in our London rooms, the first, 11th May 2011, lot 24, and the second, 13th July 2005, lot 102; and another cup was sold at Christie’s London, 11th July 1977, lot 3. See also a slightly smaller example in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pls 205 and 206, together with one in the collection of Gerard Levy, pl. 204; and two others offered in this sale, lots 3698 and 3702.