exquisitely carved with flaring sides rising to an irregular rim simulating a cockscomb bloom, one side of the exterior with a handle well rendered in the form of a leafy gnarled branch issuing aster and further cockscomb blooms extending across the body and underside of the vessel forming the base, the interior with further furled leaves and one meticulously picked out aster bloom, the patina of a variegated lustrous honey-brown colour

Sotheby's London, 20th February 1968, lot 30.

This superbly carved cup is in overall excellent condition, with the exception of a section of the rim (2cm wide, a leaf atop the handle) polished. There are only a few minute nicks and natural pitting to the beautifully patinated horn.
"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."

The present rhinoceros horn cup, in the form of a blossoming cockscomb fashioned with a gnarled branch handle, is beautifully shaped and exquisitely carved. The rendering of stemming cockscomb blooms and aster in high relief fosters a sense of naturalism and liveliness in the piece. While this cup displays characteristic elements seen on flower-form vessels, it is distinctive for the elegant and skilful fashioning of the furled edges at the rim, which has successfully added another layer of three-dimensionality to the overall composition. Rhinoceros horn cups with a cockscomb theme are rare and no other example appears to have been published. For libation cups of this type carved with serrated rims, see a funnel-shaped example in the collection of Mr. Franklin Chow, illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 118; a cup in the form of a furled loquat leaf, sold in these rooms, 7th April 2017, lot 3644; another in the form of a lotus leaf, sold at Christie’s London, 15th May 2007, lot 45; and a fourth cup, sold in our New York rooms, 25th September 1986, lot 271.

Each plant on this libation cup has been carefully chosen to create a work of art that is both a study of nature and brimming with symbolic meaning. Cockscomb (jiguanhua) blooms in the summer and the brightly coloured blossoms resemble the comb of a rooster, hence its name.  It has a long history of cultivation in China, and in art it conveys the auspicious message for promotion in rank and success.  Aster (cuiju) on the hand, also referred to as chrysanthemum in Chinese, is emblematic of autumn and symbolises longevity. Objects of this type were treasured by the scholar-literati for their fine design as well as for their medium and message they conveyed.