Asian Art Auction

December 05, 2011

LOT 519

Lot 519

Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Birds of Paradise’ Libation Cup, 18th/19th Century

Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Birds of Paradise’ Libation Cup, 18th/19th Century
Lot 519 Details
Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Birds of Paradise’ Libation Cup, 18th/19th Century

With a wide foliate rim tapering towards a hidden footring cleverly carved as rocky terrain, the exterior with a continuous scene of cranes, phoenixes and songbirds in a lush garden filled with prunus flowers and bamboo, a pair of tree trunks rendered in openwork form the handle, the interior modeled as overlapping flower petals, all of a rich caramel tone
3.1" x 5.7" — 8 x 14.5 cm.
6.3 oz. — 195 grams

Estimate $20,000-$30,000

Realised: $77,250
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Birds of Paradise’ Libation Cup, 18th/19th Century
  • Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Birds of Paradise’ Libation Cup, 18th/19th Century
  • Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Birds of Paradise’ Libation Cup, 18th/19th Century
Provenance:

Acquired in London, England, during the 1960’s

Note:

Similar rhinoceros horn cups depicting the double phoenix have been recorded, such as an example in The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, published in Chapman’s THE ART OF RHINOCEROS HORN CARVINGS IN CHINA. 1999, page 187. Another example was sold at Sotheby’s New York, March 23, 2011, lot 756.

CONDITION DETAILS

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. ANY BIDDING ON THIS LOT REQUIRES PRE-APPROVAL FROM THE ASIAN ART DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Please contact [email protected] or 416.847.6185 for more information

LOT 519
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.