A superb rhinoceros horn lingzhi-shaped 'bamboo' libation cup


17th/18th centuryMasterfully carved in openwork and various levels of relief with vivid lingzhi fungus heads and angular bamboo leaves around the exterior, issuing from intertwining stems forming the base and extending upwards on one side to form the reticulated handle joined by a muscular sinuous chilong depicted with a bifurcated tail, the beast clambering over the rim onto the interior of the vessel, facing opposite to another smaller chilong, the interior superbly carved with angled contours to convey the form of lingzhi fungus, the horn patinated to an attractive reddish caramel tone, box. 15.5cm (6in) long (2).
|十七/十八世紀 犀角雕螭竹靈芝紋杯Provenance:Songzhutang Collection, USAngela Chua Collection, Hong KongExhibited:Hong Kong Museum of Art, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collections in Hong Kong, 2002-2005 來源：松竹堂收藏香港蔡劉木蘭女士收藏展覽：2002-2005年間於香港藝術館《金木水火土：香港文物收藏精品展》中展出The present lot is remarkable for the exceptional craftsmanship demonstrated in the superb composition as well as the powerful openwork and high-relief carving of each detail including the vivid portrayal of the bamboo stalks and leaves, the muscular chi-dragons and the undulating lingzhi heads. It is also notable for its interior decoration which is delicately modelled as part of the fungus. The lingzhi fungus is an important symbol of longevity and Immortality. Together with the depiction of bamboo, which forms a pun for zhu 祝 meaning 'blessing', it conveys the auspicious wishes for long life, making it particularly appropriate as a birthday gift.For related examples of rhinoceros horn cups similarly carved with the lingzhi motif and fungus-shaped interior, see one in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, and another illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, nos.203 and 204. Compare with a rhinoceros horn 'chilong and lingzhi' cup, similarly carved with a chilong clambering over the rim into the fungus-shaped interior, which was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 3 October 2017, lot 3695.靈芝寓意長壽，結合竹葉和螭龍紋飾，此杯有「靈仙祝壽」的美好寓意。同樣飾以靈芝紋飾的犀角杯，都柏林查士特圖書館及一歐洲私人收藏各藏一例可資參考，見Jan Chapman，《中國的犀牛角雕刻藝術》，倫敦，1999年，編號203及204。再參考香港蘇富比售出一例，2017年10月3日，拍品3695。