Litterature: Thomas Fok, Connoisseurship of Rhinoceros Horn Carving in China, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 152.

Edward T. Chow, in his notes on this cup, suggests that it is by the hand of a renowned master artisan for its fine carving and attractive translucent material. He further praises the piece for its exceptional condition. Jan Chapman suggests that the seal incised on the rock beside one of the figures on the front of the vessel, bearing the two charactersTiancheng, referring to the Ming dynasty master carver Bao Tiancheng, was added at a later date. The inspiration of this cup may have come from one of Bao's works or is by the hand of a carver from Bao's school.

The finely carved figural scene on this piece reflects its maker's exceptional skill, showing his diligence in paying close attention to the smallest detail, such as the seven figures' facial expressions and the fold of their garments and the beautiful landscape filled with lush trees providing an ideal setting. The figures are most probably the seven men known as the 'Seven Worthies or Sages of the Bamboo Grove', a group of distinguished scholar-officials of the late 3rd century who decided to turn their back on politics and their official duties and live in the seclusion of a bamboo grove where they pursued their interest in music, literature, poetry and wine.