Lot 1706. An exceptionally large and finely carved rhinoceros horn 'Boys' libation cup, Qing dynasty, early 18th century; 9¼ in. (23.5 cm.) long. Weight: 13.4 oz. (380 gm.). Estimate HKD 2,000,000 - HKD 2,500,000. Price Realized: HK$2,407,500 ($309,963) © Christie's Images Ltd 2008

Intricately carved in high relief and pierced all over with a continuous scene of three boys at play amidst a background of rocky landscape variously depicted clambering up the side of the rocky outcrops, perched on a ledge holding a leafy spray aloft, and the third peering around the side of the cup with a fan held in his hand, the handle formed by a gnarled tree issuing from the rockwork, the upper section left uncarved to display the lustrous golden honey color of the horn, wood stand, box. 

Provenance: Marchant & Son, London, 2002

Exhibited: Hong Kong Museum of Art, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth: Gems of Antiquities Collection in Hong Kong, 2002-2005

Notes: A number of smaller cups have been published with the same theme of boys at play derived from the theme of '100 boys' at play depicted on a wide range of decorative objects, including porcelain, jade, textile and lacquerware from the Song dynasty onwards. The theme of 'children at play' became symbolic of progeny and the fulfillment of the Confucian ideal in the education and advancement of sons. Compare a cup from the collection of the late Dr. Ip Yee Collection, illustrated by J. Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, p. 214, no. 298.

Christie's Hong Kong. Important Chinese Rhinoceros Horn Carvings from the Songzhutang Collection. 27 May 2008