A rhinoceros horn 'rocky cliff' libation cup


17th centuryCarved as a section of a rocky cliff scattered with bamboo stalks and narcissus flowers borne on craggy rockwork, the handle formed with a section of rocky outcrop and a gnarled tree branch issuing prunus flowers, extending to the interior, the horn of an honey-amber tone. 10.6cm (4 1/2in) long
|十七世紀 犀角峭壁梅枝紋盃The present libation cup is solely carved in relief with a mountainous landscape scene devoted to the craggy overhanging cliffs, prunus, bamboo, and orchids, invoking the idealistic nature retreat which the literati would aspire to retire to. This design is more unusual than those also decorated with sages and attendants.Similar treatment of the carving of the plum blossoms can be found on another rhinoceros horn libation cup, 17th century, illustrated by T.Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, p.163, no.112. A related libation cup carved as a rocky cliff, but with chrysanthemums, is illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.163, no.201.