An exquisite rhinoceros horn 'Flowerinf of Wealth' libation cup, 17th century. Photo Sotheby"s

the conical receptacle carved to resemble a rock, surrounded by a tangle of various symbolic plants including chrysanthemum, osmanthus, daylily, begonia and aster, all supported on a large undercut lotus blossom that forms the base, with undercut branches at one end forming the handle, the delicate blossoms and leaves visited by bees and praying mantis, the material of a light caramel tone darkening at the core. Height 4 1/8 in., 10.6 cm. Estimate 200,000-300,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Miami, Florida, 1960.
Acquired by the present owner in 1999.

NOTE: At first glance, the decoration on the cup appears to be a nature study, but in actual fact, all the plants and insects have been carefully chosen to create a work of art that is filled with symbolic meaning.

The chrysanthemum and aster are both called juhua in Chinese and are emblematic of autumn and symbolize longevity. The osmanthus also represents autumn because it blooms during the eighth lunar month, and since the results of the ancient imperial examinations were released at this time, the blooming osmanthus also came to symbolize literary success and the flowering of an official career. In addition, the Chinese name for osmanthus, gui, is a pun for the word noble or honor. The daylily is known by various auspicious names such as wangyoucao 'forget your grief plant' and yi'nancao 'favoring boys plant'. It is therefore believed to bring happiness and usher the birth of a son. The begonia is another plant that blooms in the autumn and is known in Chinese as qiuhaitang, 'autumn crab apple' because its blossoms are thought to resemble crab apple flowers. In addition, the tang in the name of the begonia is a pun on the word for clan. This pun is also found in the Chinese name of the praying mantis, tanglang. The lotus is known in Chinese as lian. This name is a homophone for the word continuous. Another name for the lotus is 'water hibiscus', shuifurong. The second character fu, is a pun for the word for wealth. Finally, the word for bee in Chinese, feng, is a homophone for the word meaning 'official appointment'.

The various elements in this symbolism-rich cup when put together create the wish for wealth and honor for the clan, and the continuous birth of noble sons who will attain high official posts, fugui man tang, lian sheng guizi. 

Cups with a similar fine rendering of the lotus blossoms and other flowers, also dated to the 17th century, are illustrated in Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, nos. 85 and 90.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York | 20 Mar 2012 www.sothebys.com