清十八世紀

The theme of scholars in rustic retreats found its inspiration from literary paintings of the Ming dynasty and appears to have been popular with rhinoceros horn carvers. Perhaps because it showed off their talent in the carving of intricate landscapes, while it also would have appealed to the taste of their clients, who could imagine themselves enjoying the tranquility and joys of such natural settings. Several cups of this type are illustrated by T. Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, nos. 136, 151, 154 and 159.