Lot Essay
Compare a smaller cup with similar shape and reticulated base, but carved only with flowers, sold at Sotheby's, New York, 30 May 1990, lot 49.
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LATE MING DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY
Details
**A RARE RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP
LATE MING DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY
The sides finely carved in crisp relief with various birds, including a peacock, amidst various flowers, including lotus plants, stems of peony and a prunus tree rising in openwork from a narrow band of waves above the reticulated base carved with dense waves surrounding the tail of the four-clawed dragon that rises through the waves toward the lip, at the opposite end a deer stands beneath a moon flanked by two bats, the horn of rich honey color
7 5/8 in. (19.3 cm.) long
LATE MING DYNASTY, 16TH-17TH CENTURY
The sides finely carved in crisp relief with various birds, including a peacock, amidst various flowers, including lotus plants, stems of peony and a prunus tree rising in openwork from a narrow band of waves above the reticulated base carved with dense waves surrounding the tail of the four-clawed dragon that rises through the waves toward the lip, at the opposite end a deer stands beneath a moon flanked by two bats, the horn of rich honey color
7 5/8 in. (19.3 cm.) long
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.