CHINE, DYNASTIE MING, XVIIEME SIECLE

Details

RARE COUPE LIBATOIRE EN CORNE DE RHINOCEROS SCULPTEE
CHINE, DYNASTIE MING, XVIIEME SIECLE
Très finement sculptée en forme de feuille de lotus, les veines délicatement incisées, l'extérieur orné, sous le bec verseur, d'une scène principale représentant un lettré âgé, assis à une table et entouré de disciples, les trois figurés sous un dais, sur une estrade devant laquelle se tiennent deux daims, les côtés rehaussés de lettrés à cheval, discutant peinture, assis, accompagnés de serviteurs, les diverses scènes se déroulant dans un paysage rocailleux, bordant une rivière et agrémenté d'arbres, deux grands pins formant anse, certains branchages venant reposer sur la bordure ; petits accidents et manques
Hauteur: 8,8 cm. (3½ in.), Longueur: 19 cm. (7½ in.)

Provenance

Collection Alexander Foerster, Vienna. Acquired before 1961. Since then in the family from where acquired by the present owner.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT payable at 19.6% (5.5% for books) will be added to the buyer’s premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Further details

A RARE CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP
CHINA, MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

Brought to you by

Giulia Cuturi

gcuturi@christies.com +33 (0)1 40 76 84 22

Lot Essay

Compare with a very similar libation cup from the Durham University Oriental Museum and illustrated by J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London 1999, p.206, pl.283.
The author describes the theme represented as 'The Eighteen Scholars of the Tang Dynasty' and writes: 'Sometimes there are eighteen figures and sometimes not but the scholars are always placed all around the cup against a rocky background. The eighteen learned men were selected from the wisest men in the Empire by emperor Tang Taizong, shortly after his accession to the throne in the year 627. He built a college for them in the grounds of his palace so that they were always available for advice or consultation.'

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