Lot 355
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
Additional Images
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