CHINESE RHINOCEROS HORN LOTUS LIBATION CUP,Qing Dynasty. Carved to depict a lotus leaf and decorated with blossoms, leaves and snails.
NOTE: A similar lotus cup in The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, carved by You Kan Zhisheng (active 1660-1720) is illustrated in "The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China", Jan Chapman, p. 240, pl. 347. "One of the most popular decorative themes of any in the rhinoceros horn carver's repertory is that of the lotus plant, Nelumbium, and especially the lotus leaf with its characteristic veining...it is considered to be one of the Eight Treasures of Buddhism". - weight: 203 gram.; 3 1/2 in. high, 5 in. long, 3 3/4 in. wide. Estimate $30,000-50,000
PROVENANCE: Estate of Barbara Watson Chamberlain, Auburn, NY. Acquired in China, circa 1800
Generally very good condition; very minute chip on rim, nearly invisible.
