Lot 644
- 644
A RHINOCEROS HORN 'PEONY' LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH – 18TH CENTURY
Estimate
400,000 - 500,000 HKD
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Description
- rhinoceros horn
the flared sides finely carved in various levels of relief depicting leafy branches of peony and prunus curling up and around the exterior from the base of the foot to the rim, set to one end with two branches of budding magnolia forming the handle, the horn patinated to a rich dark honey tone
Condition
The cup is in overall good condition. There is expected light pitting to the interior as well an age crack to the rim. There are tiny traces of adhesive to several areas, possibly to stabilise minute nibbling to the fragile design.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Carved with a delicate scene of flowering peonies, the auspiciousness of the motif is captured in the branches of prunus which represent hope, as they are the first flowers to blossom as spring approaches, and the peonies which symbolise royalty and honour. The raised details of the flowers form a pleasing contrast with the smooth surface of the vessel to draw attention to the evenness of tone.
A rhinoceros horn cup carved with branches of blossoming prunus and camellia, in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 214; another was sold at Christie’s New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1266; one carved with prunus was sold twice in these rooms, 22nd May 1985, lot 281 and again, 8th October 2013, lot 3238, from the collection of Franklin Chow; and a fourth cup was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3790.
A rhinoceros horn cup carved with branches of blossoming prunus and camellia, in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, is illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 214; another was sold at Christie’s New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1266; one carved with prunus was sold twice in these rooms, 22nd May 1985, lot 281 and again, 8th October 2013, lot 3238, from the collection of Franklin Chow; and a fourth cup was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2014, lot 3790.