Ɏ A SUPERBLY CARVED AND VERY LARGE (72 CM) FULL-TIP ‘CELESTIAL LANDSCAPE’ RHINOCEROS HORN CUP, 19TH CENTURY OR SLIGHTLY EARLIER

拍品描述

Ɏ A SUPERBLY CARVED AND VERY LARGE (72 CM) FULL-TIP ‘CELESTIAL LANDSCAPE’ RHINOCEROS HORN CUP, 19TH CENTURY OR SLIGHTLY EARLIER Expert’s note: This spectacular rhinoceros horn cup is one of the largest examples known; a full-tip cup of this magnificent size and as well preserved as the present lot is extremely rare, because due to their intricate openwork design these cups are prone to damage. The present example is further distinguished from other examples in its exceptional carving quality, challenging the common notion that full-tip cups were produced from the 19th century onwards. See for example the group of deer amid large lingzhi sprigs below leafy tree branches (fig. 1). This motif is clearly inspired by reticulated jade plaques of the Song dynasty, see an example at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, Beasts Of Antiquity – Important Jade Animals From The Chang Shou Studio, 4 April 2017, lot 3313 (fig. 2), and was popular during the Qianlong period across various media including porcelain, jade, and wood. Such inspired craftsmanship and technical refinement at the very least open the possibility a (late)18th-century dating for the present lot. China. Using the full length of the horn, the intricate openwork carving depicts a lush panoply of peach-laden branches, pines, wutong trees, and prunus blossoms, interspersed with birds, three deer resting below lingzhi, and two immortal boys holding vessels and a branch, centered by a mythical lion, framed above by a rim formed of scrolling clouds, and below by craggy rockwork. The horn is of a warm golden honey-brown tone, displaying one of the finest color variations this author has encountered despite selling more than 100 rhinoceros horn cups over a 40-year career. It also possesses exceptional translucency, allowing light to penetrate the horn and creating a remarkable three-dimensional effect that brings the material vividly to life. Both the rich, darker tones and the luminous golden honey-brown areas rank among the very finest color and grain characteristics found in rhinoceros horn, making the overall quality of the material truly exceptional. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-DÜS260506-605). Dimensions: Length 71.5 cm Lavishly decorated full-tip cups from this group were generally produced mainly in Canton where they were fashionable and in high demand, especially from Western collectors. The largest possible horns were selected and carved in an extravagant fashion, as clearly demonstrated by the present cup. Literature comparison: Compare a related rhinoceros cup, dated 1840-1880, 56.6 cm long, in the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number 243-1896. Compare a related rhinoceros cup on loan to the Durham University Oriental Museum, illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, pl. 38. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1231 Price: USD 314,500 or approx. EUR 406,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and manner of carving. Note the smaller size (55.3 cm). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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