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拍品專文
It is unusual to find archaistic inscriptions rendered in this form on rhinoceros horn libation cups. The format of the text, arranged into five vertical lines, is evidently a Ming period interpretation of early characters that have been found inscribed on surfaces of bronzes dated to Shang and Zhou dynasties.
The inscription is a short poem complementing the design of the vessel and may be translated as:
Even though it shares the same Tiger* name,
when one looks at it very carefully it is in fact a dragon.
It appears to be fierce,
These creatures are in nature very gentle,
and their horns can be used as wine vessels.
How appreciative it is to hold one of these cups,
it completes ones delight.
*The reference to tiger is derived from the ancient inter-changeable use of the word "chihu" (horned tiger) and "chilong" (horned dragon).
The inscription is a short poem complementing the design of the vessel and may be translated as:
Even though it shares the same Tiger* name,
when one looks at it very carefully it is in fact a dragon.
It appears to be fierce,
These creatures are in nature very gentle,
and their horns can be used as wine vessels.
How appreciative it is to hold one of these cups,
it completes ones delight.
*The reference to tiger is derived from the ancient inter-changeable use of the word "chihu" (horned tiger) and "chilong" (horned dragon).