A pair of large full-tip rhinoceros horn libation cups


19th centuryBoth intricately carved with wavy rims in the form of lotus and raised on a long tapering openwork stem extending to the tip of the horn depicting further blossoming lotus and buds with bees and butterflies, the impressive wood stands elaborately carved. Each cup 72cm (28 3/8in) long. (4).
|十九世紀 犀角鏤雕纏枝蓮紋擺件 一對These large full-tip cups were most probably carved in Guangdong, an important centre producing many categories of works of art including ivory, furniture, clocks and instruments, cloisonné and painted enamel, some of which were made as tribute for the Qing Court. Such impressive full-tip rhinoceros horn libation cups were often made in pairs and raised on intricately carved hardwood stands, accentuating their presence; see a related rhinoceros horn full-tip libation cup, in the Durham University Oriental Museum, illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.72, pl.38.Compare also with a related pair of rhinoceros horn libation cups, late Qing dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 9 November 2017, lot 158.