A rare carved Rhinoceros horn libation cup, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662-1722) or older.
For condition report contact specialist
Skinned and hallowed, carved using the natural shape and full length of the horn, the lower part around the rim subtly carved with flame motifs in accordance with the natural configuration of the fibers. The horn of rich toffee tone. Height 19,3 cm. Weight 467 g.
Cracks due to dryness of the material, chips.
Saleroom notice
Weight: 467 g.
Provenance
Purchased by a Swedish Art and Antique Collector in Pairs in the 1940's, thence by descent.
Literature
Chapman, Jan: The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999. Pls 170 and 305. Similarly carved horns.
Gillman, A Source of Rhinoceros Horn Cups in the Late Ming Dynasty. Illustrates a similar horn bequeathed to the British Museum by Sir Hans Sloane in 1753.
More information
Compare similar horn sold at Sotheby's, London, May 14th 2008. Lot no 502.
Another similar horn from the Collection of Lord Suffield of Gunton Park, Norfolk, was sold in Sotheby's, Hong Kong May 20th 1986, lot 178.
Please take part of the following information of export restrictions on this lot www.jordbruksverket.se/cites.
Due to CITES regulations, it is not possible to export objects made of rhinoceros horn to countries outside EU.