Asian Art Auction

December 13, 2010

LOT 355

Lot 355

Rare Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Hundred’ Boys’ Libation Cup, Qing Dynasty, 17th Century

Rare Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Hundred’ Boys’ Libation Cup, Qing Dynasty, 17th Century
Lot 355 Details
Rare Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Hundred’ Boys’ Libation Cup, Qing Dynasty, 17th Century

Finely carved in high-relief throughout with the ‘Hundred Boys’ motif, the cup of rich honey and caramel tones, depicting groups of young children playing within an elaborate garden setting with rockery, flowing streams and fanciful architecture, an exquisite canopy of trees carved in openwork climb along one side starting from the base of the tapered, recessed foot extending towards the lip and through the interior, forming a handle
4.8" x 6.1" — 12.2 x 15.5 cm.
11.7 oz. — 365 grams

Estimate $40,000-$60,000

Realised: $893,750
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Rare Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Hundred’ Boys’ Libation Cup, Qing Dynasty, 17th Century
  • Rare Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Hundred’ Boys’ Libation Cup, Qing Dynasty, 17th Century
  • Rare Rhinoceros Horn Carved ‘Hundred’ Boys’ Libation Cup, Qing Dynasty, 17th Century
Provenance:

Purchased in Toronto during the 1980’s

Note:

As early as the Song dynasty, the ‘Hundred Boys’ motif has been a popular theme within Chinese art, representing one of the most prevalent desires of traditional Chinese life: the successful continuation of a family line through male heirs and the completion of filial duties. By the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the popularity of this motif had risen, specifically in the ceramics and textiles.
Less common though was the use of the ‘Hundred Boys’ theme in rhinoceros horn carvings. Favouring archaistic patterns or natural floral designs, figural depictions were quite rare as a whole but rhinoceros horn carvings illustrating children is highly uncommon. For another example of this motif carved in rhinoceros horn, please see Christie’s Hong Kong, ‘Important Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings from the Songzhutang Collection Part II’, May 31, 2010, lot 1815.

CONDITION DETAILS

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. ANY BIDDING ON THIS LOT REQUIRES PRE-APPROVAL FROM THE ASIAN ART DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Please contact [email protected] or 416.847.6185 for more information

LOT 355
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.