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A rare 18th/19th century Chinese carved rhinoceros horn…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
5-Dec-2013
Lot No.
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Description:
A rare 18th/19th century Chinese carved rhinoceros horn libation cup in the form of an archaic bronze 'Jue' drinking vessel. Taotie monster masks above the splayed legs, key border and strap handle. The lotus petal bowl with twin fish for felicity. Some old rim damage. Provenance: The libation cup was inherited from Major General George Fleming DSO, CBE commanding officer of the Shanghai Defense Force during World War II, it also could have been inherited from his father George Fleming (1833 - 1901), an English army doctor, who spent much time in China and wrote a book 'Travels on horseback in Mantchu Tatary: being a summer's ride beyond the great wall of China', published by Hurst & Blackett, London 1863. History: the present cup is inspired in form by archaic bronze jue wine vessels from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Jue vessels inspired by the archaic bronze form were also produced in porcelain, jade, bronze and cloisonn?® enamel, particularly in the 18th century. Two jue-shaped rhinoceros horn libation cups from the Qing court collection are illustrated in the complete collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: bamboo, wood, ivory and rhinoceros horn carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pls.136 (late Ming Dynasty) and 205 (mid Qing Dynasty). See also a related rhinoceros horn jue cup, 18th century, in Harvard University Art Museums, illustrated by T.Fok in Connoisseurship of rhinoceros horn carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl.36. Text courtesy of Bonham's. PLEASE Other Notes: the exporting and importing of rhinoceros horn is subject to strict CITIES regulations. It is the buyers responsibility to satisfy export regulations out of New Zealand and import regulations into their own country. International buyers must seek advice prior to bidding. The horn comes with a witnessed affidavit stating the family provenance of the horn. Height 12 cm. Width 13.2 cm
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Oriental: Cloisonne