A Small Chinese Carved Rhinoceros Horn Libation Cup

A Small Chinese Carved Rhinoceros Horn Libation Cup 17th/18th Century

In the form of a cup-shaped lotus leaf, with a sinuous qilong at the
“handle” end, a stalk of millet and another lotus leaf under the “spout”
end, polished glossy surface.

(H: 1 1/2, L: 3 3/8, W: 2 1/2 in.)

Qty: (1)

Provenance

The collection of Eldridge Reeves Fenimore Johnson (1899-1986), likely collected prior to 1937.
Thence by descent in the family.

Footnote:

Note

E. R. F. Johnson was a noted explorer, yachtsman and researcher. He was a pioneer in the development of underwater photography and had close ties with the University of Pennsylvania, where a collection of his photographs are preserved. His father was Eldridge Reeves Johnson (1867-1945), the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, later RCA. It is very possible this may have been originally acquired by the elder E. R. Johnson, given that he gave Chinese works of art to the University of Pennsylvania Museum in 1920 and 1927, including the large crystal ball said to have belonged to the Dowager Empress Cixi, the pair of carved stone reliefs of the favorite horses of the Tang Emperor Taizong, and numerous jade and coral carvings.

For cups with similar subject, see the lotus-form libation cup, 17th century, sold at Christie’s, London, November 7, 2011, lot 11, and also the lotus-form cup with qilong, 17th century, in the collection of The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, accession number FE.313:1,2-2005.

Please Note: This item is composed of a regulated material. It is accompanied by documentation identifying material, age and provenance. It is the responsibility of any bidder/buyer to be aware of and comply with any local, state, national and international regulations governing the acquisition and movement of this item. Some countries and states prohibit the importation of items that contain materials from endangered species, including rhinoceros horn. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with the relevant customs restrictions prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. Freeman's does not provide CITES documentation for import or export.

Condition report:

Surface soiled and dusty, one ear of qilong chipped, scattered small checks to lip, 5mm chip to lip, fine hairlines throughout body. There is no evidence that this object
has been repaired or modified.