A rhinoceros horn libation cup
17th/18th century
Of lobed oval shallow form, carved around the body with a band of crisp shallow-relief taotie masks, the plain loop handle surrounded by four small coiling dragons clambering over the rim.
14cm (5½in) long
Of lobed oval shallow form, carved around the body with a band of crisp shallow-relief taotie masks, the plain loop handle surrounded by four small coiling dragons clambering over the rim.
14cm (5½in) long
Sold for
£51,650
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Provenance: acquired in China in the late 19th century
Given to the mother-in-law of the present owner
A Scottish private collection
This elegant cup derives from an archaic bronze form, and this archaisim is echoed in the taotie masks and leiwen border. An early example of this type of cup from the 16th century is illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, no.2.
Category: Asian Art / Chinese Works of Art
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Olivia Hamilton
Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London,
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
WorkTel:
+44 20 7468 8236
FaxFax: +44 20 7495 5251
Specialist
-
Chinese Works of Art