18TH CENTURY

Details

**A RARE LARGE WELL-CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN LIBATION CUP
18TH CENTURY
The exterior well carved in high relief with a tiger under the spreading branches of a pine tree peering up at a scaly four-clawed dragon clutching a flaming pearl emerging from vaporous clouds, the handle formed by a tall outcropping of perforated rock and a large pine tree that continues over the edge into the rock-carved interior, the horn of golden honey color
7 3/8 in. (18.6 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.

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Lot Essay

The association of the tiger and dragon with two of the Eighteen Luohan resulted in the idiomatic expression, xianglong fuhu, which refers to the unique powers of an individual to overcome extreme difficulties or powerful adversaries. The dragon and the tiger are also associated, respectively, with the clouds and the wind, and the idiomatic expression, 'the meeting of the wind and the clouds,' signifies an opportune moment and is often used to allude to talented people coming into critical situations at just the right moment. The underlying message can therefore be construed as 'may an opportune moment arrive soon so you can demonstrate your ability.'

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