17TH CENTURY

Details

A RARE AND WELL-CARVED RHINOCEROS HORN 'THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER' LIBATION CUP
17TH CENTURY
The elegantly proportioned tapering body supported on a slightly splayed foot with short notched flanges, finely carved to the mid-section with a wide band of stylized lotus blooms on a continuous leafy scroll above a geometric-pattern diaper ground, the openwork handle with the 'Three Friends of Winter' motif, formed by a gnarled tree trunk flanked by branches of prunus, bamboo and pine that extend across the exterior of the body and into the interior, the mouth and foot rims with key-fret bands, the underside of the base carved in relief with a small sinuous chilong, the horn of an attractive warm amber-brown tone
6½ in. (16.5 cm.) wide

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 'Three Friends of Winter' motif is frequently used across all medium in Chinese art. Comprising of pine, bamboo and prunus, this motif is emblematic of Confucian virtues of fortitude and resilience. As the pine and bamboo are evergreen plants and the prunus a plant that lives for a long time, the three together is also an auspicious symbol of longevity.

The rendering of intertwined branches of pine, bamboo and prunus carved to the exterior of the present lot, is particularly fine.

Please note this lot is accompanied by a letter from Animal Health agreeing that Christie's may sell it without further CITES certification and confirming that they would be likely to grant an export permit for it to leave the EU post-sale.

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