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Lot Essay
Since the late sixteenth century, European's interest in all kinds of chinese works of art has been very strong. Among the many different types of articles brought to Europe by sea were porcelains, silks, jade, lacquerware, and a small number of carved rhinoceros horn libation cups. These cups originally made to satisfy the Chinese market found their way into the 'cabinets of curiosities'. The Emperor of Germany Rudolf II (1552-1612) had in his possession thirteen 'rhinoceros horn vessels', nearly all of them are stated to have been mounted in gold, silver or silver-gilt. For some examples, see J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Christie's Books Ltd., London 1999, p.235, pls.338 and 339 and pp.266-267, pls.385, 386 and 387