A Rare and Finely Carved 'Dongfang Shuo' Rhinoceros Horn Libation Cup. Qing Dynasty, Early 18th Century - Photo Sotheby's

of conical form, carved round the exterior to resemble a gnarled peach tree trunk, the handle at one end formed from a wind-blown figure of Dongfang Shuo holding a fly whisk in one hand, supporting a bough laden with three peaches over his shoulder, standing beneath a flowering leafy branch that grows from one side of the interior and extends half way round the rim, above another branch that grows from the base, this one with three more large peaches, the material of a warm amber colour, wood stand; length 15.3 cm., 6 in. Estimation: 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 HKD

PROVENANCE: John Sparks, London, circa 1975.

NOTE DE CATALOGUE: This finely carved rhinoceros horn cup depicts the well-known figure of the Han dynasty scholar-official and courtjester to Emperor Wu (r. 140-87 BC), Dongfang Shuo. According to legend, Dongfang stole the peaches of eternal life from Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West). On the cup he is shown clutching a bough laden with the peaches and his facial expression suggests contentment at having achieved his mission. The carver has also brought his subject matter to life by giving movement to his robe as if it is swept by wind. Ironically, this act brought immortality to Dongfang who became a popular figure and was frequently depicted on artefacts displayed at birthday celebrations or made as gifts. For example, see a Ming dynasty kesi depicting Dongfang standing by a peach tree holding a single large peach in his hands, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, included on the museum's official website: http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/60011659.

A rhinoceros horn libation cup, carved with the figure of Dongfang Shuo, from the Edward and Franklin Chow collections, was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 2708, and is also illustrated in Jan Chapman, The Art of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, London, 1999, fig. 265. The three-dimensional nature of the carving seen on this cup is related to that displayed on the cup decorated with the eight Daoist immortals in this sale, lot 3048.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. Hong Kong | 09 oct. 2012 www.sothebys.com