A fine rhinoceros horn 'magnolia' libation cup
17th/18th century
Naturalistically carved as a large magnolia blossom borne on a branch that forms the openwork base and rises up the sides where it bears further blossoms and buds forming the openwork handle, with a single clambering chilong peering over the rim, with further prunus blossoms around the sides, and with a single stamen carved in high relief in the centre of the interior.
13.4cm (5¼in) wide
Naturalistically carved as a large magnolia blossom borne on a branch that forms the openwork base and rises up the sides where it bears further blossoms and buds forming the openwork handle, with a single clambering chilong peering over the rim, with further prunus blossoms around the sides, and with a single stamen carved in high relief in the centre of the interior.
13.4cm (5¼in) wide
Sold for
£90,000
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Provenance: purchased in Sydney, Australia in the 1950s/60s
The magnolia flower, symbolising feminine sweetness and beauty, is one of the most popular decorative motifs for rhinoceros horn libation cups. See an example from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.167, fig.211. Another libation cup of similar form was recently sold at Christie's New York, 17 September 2010, lot 1296.
Category: Asian Art / Chinese Works of Art
Auction terms and conditions
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| Y | CITES |
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