Rhinoceros Horn Flower-Form Libation Cup, China, 17th / 18th C Rhinoceros horn China, 17th / 18th century Fine open work carving Appealing color Beautiful translucence Matching open work wooden base Height (with base): 14 cm Good condition Provenance: from an Austrian private collection An extraordinary cup with fine open work decoration; a similar piece fetched over 142,000 Euros at Christie’s New York in 2011 This exquisite rhinoceros horn libation cup dates to the 17th or 18th century. It is carved as a large camellia blossom borne on a branch forming the open work base and handle trailing into the interior. The latter shows the finely detailed flower petals. The sides are carved with further prunus blossoms, bamboo branches and a pine tree. These plants are known as ‘The Three Friends of Winter’, also called Suihan Sanyou, in Chinese culture. Together they symbolize perseverance and resilience. The precious material shows a wonderful translucence, especially visible along the finely carved elements, and the color changes from a matt, dark brown along the base to an iridescent light brown along the upper rim. The cup rests on a matching open work wooden base carved with a similar plum blossom decor. In ancient China, cups of this kind were believed to be harbingers of good fortune and the precious, ornately carved vessels were popular wedding presents. An extraordinary cup with fine open work decoration; a similar piece fetched over 142,000 Euros at Christie’s New York in 2011. The libation cup is in good condition with minor wear consistent with age. There is a small crack to the rim and minor material loss here and there. The stand shows a breakage to the open work. Including the base the height is 14 cm, the cup measures 9 cm in height. Starting Bid : 15000 Shipping of this lot is only possible within the European Union.