Lot Essay
Previously sold at Christie's New York, 23 March 1995, lot 136
.jpg?w=1)
Details
A VERY RARE CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN CHILONG LIBATION CUP MING DYNASTY, EARLY 17TH CENTURY
Finely carved as a deep lotus leaf rising from a wave base with seven powerful coiling, two-clawed chilong of various sizes clambering around the sides and emerging from turbulent waves encircling the base, with a further two forming the handle, one side with later-added collector's inscription Dingren, the material of rich honey tone
5 7/8in. (15 cm.) across, wood stand, box
Weight: 9.1 oz. (259 gm.)
Finely carved as a deep lotus leaf rising from a wave base with seven powerful coiling, two-clawed chilong of various sizes clambering around the sides and emerging from turbulent waves encircling the base, with a further two forming the handle, one side with later-added collector's inscription Dingren, the material of rich honey tone
5 7/8in. (15 cm.) across, wood stand, box
Weight: 9.1 oz. (259 gm.)
Literature
T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 50, no. 3
Exhibited
Hong Kong Museum of Art, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collection in Hong Kong, 2002-2005
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, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.