A massive rhinoceros horn goblet


Probably German, 18th centuryThe imposing vessel of slightly tapering cylindrical form, finely turned with three 'bow-string' bands around the exterior, above a wide band, the lower section with a raised spreading foot, the horn of pale golden-honey tone. 18cm (7in) high.
|十八世紀 或為德國製 犀角素身弦紋杯Provenance:An important European private collection of rhinoceros horn carvings, and thence by descent來源：重要歐洲私人犀角雕刻收藏，並由後人保存迄今Published and Illustrated: J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.271, fig.392出版及著錄：J.Chapman著，《The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China》， 倫敦，1999年，頁271，圖392The present lot encapsulates the exchange of ideas and knowledge, particularly in medicine, between China and Europe. It was made in Europe, probably in Germany, to be used as a mortar for grinding of herbs and medicinal compounds. It was perhaps influenced by Chinese beliefs and practices concerning the rumored medicinal use of rhinoceros horn that was seen by European merchants trading in China who witnessed the use of rhinoceros horn powder as a treatment for fever. Indeed, a rhinoceros even forms part of the coat-of-arms of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London. From this, one can infer that rhinoceros horn was perceived in Europe as possessing special medicinal and anti-toxic properties. Further reinforcing the perceived link in Europe between medicine and rhinoceros horn, is a rhinoceros horn mortar made in Europe, carved with the name of the ancient physician Hippocratos in Greek letters and two snakes, illustrated by J.Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p.271, fig.391.杯厚唇，腹緩收，足內束，平底實心。外壁刻弦紋五匝，足壁起弦紋兩道。體量厚重，用料大方，呈色天然。犀角的藥用價值自古傳乎其神，早至梁代陶弘景《名醫別錄》便記載：「（生犀角能）治傷寒、溫病、頭痛、高熱、驚厥抽筋。」中醫對犀角的運用或許通過商旅傳至歐洲，此件犀角杯有德國十八世紀的風格，或即當時德人受此影響所為，作為承藥容器。頗為有趣的是，倫敦藥劑師學會的徽章便有犀牛圖樣，亦是受此影響或未可知。一件犀角臼或許更能說明犀角的藥用價值，此臼身上鐫有古希臘名醫希波克拉底名字及代表醫學的雙蛇紋，見J.Chapman著，《The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China》，倫敦，1999年，頁271，圖版391。