LARGE GOBLET WITH ARCHAIC MASKS AND CHILONG-DRAGONS. RHINOCEROS HORN.
China. Qing period. 17th/ 18th century.

Rinoceros horn; on the inside dark and matt shiny with white age cracks; outside radiantly polished. The massive bowl with steep sides and a wavy curved lip with a spout. Around the middle two large Taotie masks in relief enclosed in a band with a foliage border at the top. On the upper end of the handle in the shape of a cruved band there is a large chilong dragon biting into the jar lip and two smaller ones. Along the lip on the inside as well as on the outside runs a fine leiwen pattern. The high foot with stylised cloud motifs. Height 12;5 cm; 19;2 x 12;5 cm. Condition B.

Literature:
Shanghai Science and Technology (ed): Bamboo; Wood and Ivory Carvings. The Complete
Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum; Hong Kong; 2002; Vol. 44. Type cp. p. 152; no. 134.
Jan Chapman: The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China; London; 1999. Type cp. p. 147-155.
Thomas Fok: Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China; London; 1999. Type cp. no. 13.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.