CHINE, DYNASTIE QING, XVIIEME SIECLE

The rhino horn, often imported from Africa, is considered as one of the "Eight Precious" symbols. Additionally, the horn was known to the Chinese for its power to detect poison which resulted in the creation of these specific food and drink vessels. Imperial rhino horns are usually decorated with nine dragons mingled together. Although this one only shows eight dragons and one phoenix, the quality of the carving makes it possible to suggest an imperial provenance perhaps relating to the Empress whose symbol is the phoenix.