拍品专文
Compare with a very similar libation cup from the Durham University Oriental Museum and illustrated by J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London 1999, p.206, pl.283.
The author describes the theme represented as 'The Eighteen Scholars of the Tang Dynasty' and writes: 'Sometimes there are eighteen figures and sometimes not but the scholars are always placed all around the cup against a rocky background. The eighteen learned men were selected from the wisest men in the Empire by emperor Tang Taizong, shortly after his accession to the throne in the year 627. He built a college for them in the grounds of his palace so that they were always available for advice or consultation.'
The author describes the theme represented as 'The Eighteen Scholars of the Tang Dynasty' and writes: 'Sometimes there are eighteen figures and sometimes not but the scholars are always placed all around the cup against a rocky background. The eighteen learned men were selected from the wisest men in the Empire by emperor Tang Taizong, shortly after his accession to the throne in the year 627. He built a college for them in the grounds of his palace so that they were always available for advice or consultation.'