A rhinoceros horn libation cup
17th/18th century
The surface with an attractive lustrous patination, a small mythical toad inside the rim at the back, the handle formed as a double trunk of leafy peach tree issuing long flowering and fruiting branches along the sides, a plum blossom branch at the front with a bird perched in it and another bird flying above it, wood stand.
15.5cm (6in) long (2).
The surface with an attractive lustrous patination, a small mythical toad inside the rim at the back, the handle formed as a double trunk of leafy peach tree issuing long flowering and fruiting branches along the sides, a plum blossom branch at the front with a bird perched in it and another bird flying above it, wood stand.
15.5cm (6in) long (2).
Sold for
£109,250
inc. premium
Footnotes
- The plum blossom symbolises winter and long life, and the peach is also a well-known symbol of longevity in Chinese mythology, whilst the pair of birds carries a related suggestion of union and fertility. The mythical toad on the inside of the present cup is a more unusual subject matter for rhinoceros horn carving but is nevertheless a familiar representative of the desire for wealth through its association with the Immortal Liu Hai. For an illustrated discussion on the carving of prunus and peach on rhinoceros horn, see J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pp.169-174.
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